VA Beach/Chesapeake – Casting call for student MFA thesis project – November 2026 – Paid

Job Position(s): VA Beach/Chesapeake – Casting call for student MFA thesis project – November 2026 – Paid

Virginia Film Office — Casting is seeking actors for a student MFA thesis project shooting in the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake area in November 2026. This is a casting call for a short-form narrative production, with talent needed to fill roles that will be captured on a student thesis timeline with academic oversight guiding the production workflow. This opportunity suits performers who are comfortable working on low-budget student film sets and want to build credits in a collaborative, director-led environment.

About the Role

This casting call is part of a graduate-level MFA thesis project, meaning the production will operate under an academic framework with a student director at the helm and a small crew managing all departments. Talent cast in this project can expect an intimate set, close creative collaboration with the director, and a production schedule organized around the November 2026 shoot dates in the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake region. Student film productions at the MFA level often carry strong festival intentions, making this a worthwhile credit for performers building a reel.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend scheduled rehearsals and table reads as requested by the student director prior to the November 2026 shoot.
• Perform scripted roles on a short-form narrative student film set in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.
• Collaborate directly with the MFA thesis director to realize the specific creative vision of the project.
• Maintain availability for the full duration of the assigned shoot days within the November 2026 production window.
• Participate in costume, makeup, and any continuity requirements set by the student production team.

What You Bring

• Prior on-camera acting experience, whether from student film, indie production, or local theater with screen credits.
• Comfort working on non-union student productions with lean crew sizes and flexible scheduling.
• Availability in November 2026 in the Virginia Beach or Chesapeake area without travel conflicts.
• Willingness to work within the structure and pace of an academic thesis production environment.

Why This Role

Virginia Film Office — Casting posts student productions selectively, and MFA thesis projects represent some of the more carefully developed work in the student film category. This production is listed as non-paid, consistent with the Virginia Film Office’s policy of only waiving compensation requirements for student projects. For performers in the Hampton Roads area looking to add student film credits ahead of larger regional productions, this is a practical and legitimate opportunity.

Apply now for this VA Beach and Chesapeake casting call through Virginia Film Office — Casting and get your submission in ahead of the November 2026 production dates.