The Trade

Vancouver Actors Guide is casting multiple roles for The Trade, a short narrative film production based in Vancouver, BC. The project is seeking actors across several character types for day shoots, with performances drawn from memory-based dramatic sequences central to the story. This is a strong fit for emerging and mid-career screen actors looking to build credits on a character-driven short film project.

About the Role

The Trade is a short film production with a cast of interconnected characters whose relationships unfold primarily through memory. Roles span a range of ages and emotional registers, from a young woman revisiting her past to parental figures who anchor the story’s emotional core. Performers will work on day shoots contributing to a contained, story-forward short film that follows one woman’s psychological and emotional journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Young Alice (Female, age 18-19) portrays the protagonist in her formative memories, and casting seeks someone who reads younger than their actual age on screen.
• Rose (Female, age 30+) plays Alice’s mother, a warm and emotionally grounding presence whose scenes communicate love, safety, and the feeling of home through memory sequences.
• Jack (Male, age 30+) plays Alice’s father, a gentle and playful character whose on-screen dynamic with Rose establishes the emotional foundation Alice carries throughout the narrative.
• Young Customer (Female, age 19-25) portrays a vulnerable, overwhelmed character whose desperation mirrors Alice’s own early circumstances, serving as a thematic reflection of the story’s central cycle.
• All cast members will deliver self-tape auditions prior to any callbacks, with tapes required by June 11.

What You Bring

• Screen acting experience in short film, student film, or independent film production is relevant for all roles.
• A current headshot and resume are required for submission, with a demo reel included where available.
• Strong emotional range and the ability to carry memory-driven, dialogue-focused scenes with naturalism.
• Self-tape proficiency, including clean audio, appropriate framing, and a neutral background suited to dramatic audition material.

Why This Role

The Trade is an unpaid short film production; catering and craft service are provided on shoot days. Vancouver Actors Guide is the original free resource for the Vancouver acting community, and the productions listed through their platform are a consistent source of screen credits for local talent. For actors building an independent film resume in Vancouver, this project offers well-defined character work with genuine dramatic range.

Submit your materials for The Trade through Vancouver Actors Guide and use the apply button on this listing to be considered for the role of your choice.