Providing casting and crew calls is an important service for fostering local talent and supporting productions in Montana. These announcements help connect filmmakers, actors and crew members with opportunities, ensuring productions have access to skilled professionals while giving local creatives a platform to showcase their abilities.
Casting and crew calls posted here are from independent production companies and not at the control of the Montana Film Office. These announcements are for informational purposes. If responding to a casting or crew call, you’ll need to validate individually and assume any risk.
If you have a Montana casting or crew call and would like it posted here, please email montanafilm@mt.gov. Posting is not guaranteed.
Casting and Crew Calls
Casting Calls
Set in 2026, this project follows siblings Samuel Lewis, a barber, magician, circus performer and ambitious entrepreneur, and Edmonia Lewis, a determined and talented young sculptor, both building their future in the late 19th century. Separated by circumstance, their story unfolds through a two-day audition process. This audition process is the show. The story explores what we know and don’t know about who they were, and that’s the point of “A Western Audition.” Actors will help us discover Samuel and Edmonia in real time in front of a live audience. We are seeking bold, imaginative performers of all backgrounds and identities who are ready to take risks, collaborate and have fun while bringing these two lives back together.
Seeking actors and actresses over 21 of any ethnicity, gender and body type to play all roles including Edmonia and Samuel Lewis.
We will send you a response within two weeks of an offer to play a role in “A Western Audition.”
Posting date: May 29, 2026
Project type: Theater
Performance dates: June 20 and 21, 2026
Location: Tinworks Arts, Bozeman, Montana
Union Status: Non-union
Characters:
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Samuel Lewis: A master magician, magnetic circus performer and singer who was the first Black settler in Bozeman, Montana. Charismatic and endlessly resourceful — a dreamer who turns risk into opportunity — Samuel is a free man of Ojibwe Indian and Barbadian descent. He opened the first barbershop and bath house in Bozeman and was beloved by the community.
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Edmonia Lewis: The first sculptor of Mississauga Ojibwe Indian and Barbadian descent to achieve international recognition in 1860s, Edmonia has a thriving art studio in Rome and makes sculptures from marble and bronze. She is confident, independent and strong-willed, possessing a quiet power.
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Isabella: Edmonia’s devoted young muse and lover, Isabella is warm and perceptive but naive. She offers unwavering encouragement and strength, standing beside Edmonia through tough challenges and proudly accompanying her to the premiere of “The Death of Cleopatra.”
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Lizzie Williams: Lizzie is a former nurse who is now an independent restaurant and hotel owner. She is living with an unknown illness and dying slowly, but she has a sense of humor. She’s a dear friend of Samuel Lewis and sends half of her wealth to help Edmonia create “The Death of Cleopatra.”
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Weary Traveler: A smug, condescending barbershop regular, he belittles Samuel while insisting on his services. He is fully aware that no one in town can match the precision of Samuel’s skilled hands.
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Judge: A serious judge who oversees Edmonia’s “attempted murder” case, they begin strict and unwavering but eventually dismisses the case due to a lack of evidence.
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Prosecutor: A hard-nosed attorney who is questioning Edmonia’s testimony in court. The prosecutor is theatrical and bigger than life but can also be quietly intense.
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John Mercer Cunningham: John is composed and self-confident lawyer who grew up in the church. Sent by the NAACP to defend young Edmonia on trial, he is aware of the high stakes and high visibility of this trial.
To apply: Please take a look at the breakdown and submit for any character you are interested in auditioning for.
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First, upload your headshot and resume.
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Audition Videos: Include a one-to-two-minute video stating your name, location and availability on June 20-21. Confirm that you’re at least 21 years old. Tell us a little bit about who you are. Please upload a video of a monologue or scene of your choice, no longer than two minutes. A recording from a past performance is also acceptable. If the piece is longer than two minutes, please earmark the two minutes you’d like us to watch. If you can sing, dance or do magic please submit an additional two-minute reel of your special skill as well. Upload up to three audition video files to form.jotform.com/261090963023048 and/or copy and paste the URL links to YouTube, Vimeo, etc., in the form.
Contact: awesternaudition@gmail.com; Subject: “Your Name: A Western Audition Casting”