Emily – Lead Actor

DEAF.art is casting for the role of Emily, a lead actor position based out of Jackson, MI, for an upcoming feature film production. This is a principal acting role carrying narrative weight across the full arc of the project, with the actor responsible for delivering a performance that drives the dramatic and action sequences central to the story. The role suits a Deaf actor with screen presence and the ability to sustain a lead character through the demands of a non-union feature film shoot.

About the Role

Emily is the central character in this action drama feature, meaning the actor filling this role will be present across a significant portion of the production schedule and involved in both performance-driven scenes and physical action sequences. A typical day on set will involve working closely with the director on character interpretation, blocking, and coverage across multiple setups. This is a non-union project, which opens the door for emerging and established Deaf performers building feature film credits.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a sustained lead performance across all principal photography days as required by the production schedule.
• Collaborate with the director and cinematographer during blocking and coverage to ensure performance translates effectively on camera.
• Participate in any required rehearsals, table reads, or pre-production preparation sessions ahead of the shoot.
• Perform action drama sequences safely and consistently within the parameters set by the production team.
• Maintain character continuity across shooting days, including matching performance details for editorial purposes.
• Engage with dialect, physical, or movement coaching sessions if incorporated into the pre-production workflow.

What You Bring

• Deaf actor, aged 18 or older, with the ability to carry a feature film lead role.
• Prior on-camera experience in short film, feature film, or television production is valued.
• Comfort working within the physical demands of an action drama format.
• Non-union status or willingness to work on a non-union feature film project.
• Strong ability to take and apply direction from a film director across extended shooting days.

Why This Role

DEAF.art is focused on creating feature film work that centers Deaf talent in meaningful, lead-driven stories rather than supporting or background roles. The Emily role offers a Deaf performer a genuine top-of-call credit on a dramatic feature, which carries real weight when building a screen acting resume. This production represents a direct path to a principal feature film credit within a project built around Deaf artistry.

Apply now for the Emily lead actor role at DEAF.art and bring this character to the screen.