Your Dream Role Awaits: The Ultimate Guide To The Empire Show Casting Call

Have you ever watched the dramatic, music-filled world of Empire and thought, "I could do that"? The glitz, the power struggles, the explosive performances—it’s a performer’s dream. But how does one actually step onto the set of the iconic Lyon family dynasty? The journey begins with a single, pivotal step: the Empire show casting call. This comprehensive guide is your backstage pass to understanding the entire audition process for one of television’s most talked-about dramas. We’ll demystify how casting works, who they’re looking for, how to prepare like a pro, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re an aspiring actor in New York, a singer with acting chops in Atlanta, or simply curious about the industry, this article will equip you with the knowledge and strategy to pursue your opportunity in the world of Empire.

The path to landing a role on a hit series like Empire is rarely a straight line. It involves a blend of preparation, persistence, and understanding the specific needs of the show’s creators. This isn’t just about showing up; it’s about strategically positioning yourself as the undeniable choice for a character in the high-stakes, high-music world of Empire Entertainment. From the initial open call to the final network test, every stage requires a different kind of focus. We will walk you through each phase, providing actionable advice, insider perspectives, and real-world examples to transform your aspiration into a tangible action plan. Let’s break down the process, piece by piece, to build your complete audition roadmap.

Understanding the Empire Show Casting Process: From Submission to Screen

The casting process for a major network television show like Empire is a meticulously structured, multi-layered operation designed to sift through thousands of hopefuls to find the perfect fit for each role. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and understanding its stages is the first step toward navigating it successfully. Typically, the process begins with preliminary submissions, which can be handled in several ways. For principal and recurring roles, casting directors often work directly with talent agents who submit their clients’ headshots, resumes, and demo reels. For other roles, and sometimes for undiscovered talent, the show holds open casting calls or " cattle calls," where anyone can show up, often waiting in long lines for a few minutes in front of a casting associate.

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Once your submission or in-person appearance piques interest, you may be invited to a first-round audition. This is often a self-tape audition, where you record yourself performing sides (script excerpts) in a controlled environment and submit it digitally. This stage is crucial for out-of-town actors and has become a standard industry practice. If your self-tape impresses, you’ll be called back for a callback, usually in person at the casting office in New York or Los Angeles. Callbacks are more intense; you might perform the same sides again, sometimes with adjustments from the casting director, and you may meet with the show’s producers or even the director. For major roles, this can lead to a producer test or a network screen test, where you perform in front of the show’s creators (like Lee Daniels and Danny Strong) and network executives. This final stage is about chemistry, star quality, and how you embody the role under immense pressure. Each step filters the pool, so consistency and growth at every audition are key.

The Role of Casting Directors: Your Gatekeepers and Guides

At the heart of the Empire casting process are the casting directors, primarily the esteemed Avy Kaufman (who cast the original series) and her team. These professionals are not just gatekeepers; they are storytellers tasked with finding actors who can breathe life into the complex, often volatile characters of the Empire universe. They have an intimate understanding of the show’s tone—a unique blend of Shakespearean family drama, hip-hop culture, and soap opera intensity. Their job is to match an actor’s essence, not just their technical skill, to a character. When they watch an audition, they are looking for specificity: a unique choices that make a character feel real and lived-in. They also assess professionalism: is the actor prepared, adaptable, and easy to direct? Building a reputation for being prepared and collaborative is as important as nailing the lines. Remember, a casting director’s goal is to make the producers and director look brilliant by presenting them with perfect options. Your job is to make their job easy by being one of those options.

Who Are They Looking For? The Target Audience and Ideal Candidate Profile

Empire is not just a music drama; it’s a cultural phenomenon that centers on a Black family building a hip-hop empire from the ground up. Consequently, the casting seeks actors who can authentically connect with this specific world. The ideal candidate possesses a combination of raw talent, charisma, and a deep understanding of the cultural context. While the show features a predominantly Black cast reflecting the core of the hip-hop industry it portrays, it also includes a diverse array of characters from all backgrounds—executives, lawyers, artists, and rivals—each with their own distinct voice and story. The producers consistently emphasize the importance of authenticity. Can you bring a genuine piece of yourself or your experience to the role? For characters like Cookie or Lucious Lyon, they look for actors with immense gravitas, a powerful presence, and the ability to convey decades of pain, ambition, and love in a single look. For younger roles like Hakeem or Tiana, they seek a modern, street-smart energy coupled with the vulnerability of youth.

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Furthermore, Empire famously blends acting with singing and, at times, dancing. While not every role requires vocal prowess, a musical sensibility is a huge asset, especially for the Lyon children and recurring musical artists. The ability to deliver a line with a rhythmic, natural cadence that fits the hip-hop milieu is critical. They are also looking for actors with chemistry. The Lyon family dynamics are the show’s engine, so actors must be able to generate intense, believable relationships with their scene partners, often in auditions with people they’ve just met. Finally, they value resilience and work ethic. The Empire set is known for its demanding schedule and emotionally charged scenes. Producers want actors who are professional, prepared, and have the stamina to handle a long season. Your audition should project not only talent but also the quiet confidence that you can handle the pressure of a major network series.

Demographics and Backgrounds Sought

While the core family is African American, the Empire universe is expansive. Casting calls often specify:

• Age Ranges: From teenagers (e.g., the younger Lyon kids) to seasoned actors in their 60s for roles like Lucious or his contemporaries.
• Ethnicity & Culture: Strong preference for actors of color for principal roles, reflecting the show’s setting. However, roles for white, Latino, Asian, and other ethnicities exist for supporting, corporate, and guest parts.
• Skill Sets:Singing ability is non-negotiable for many roles. Even if a character isn’t a primary singer, the ability to rap or carry a tune is a massive plus. Dance skills are required for specific performance-oriented roles. For non-musical roles, a strong, contemporary dramatic or comedic timing is essential.
• Location: While primary casting is based in New York and Los Angeles, the show has filmed in Chicago and frequently seeks local talent for specific guest roles or background parts in various locations. Local casting calls are common for these parts.

Key Roles and Character Breakdowns in the Empire Universe

Understanding the specific characters is paramount. While the Lyon family is the core, the Empire ecosystem is vast. Here are archetypes and examples of the kinds of roles consistently cast:

1. The Lyon Family Core:

• Lucious Lyon: The imperious, cunning, and musically gifted founder of Empire Entertainment. Requires an actor with towering charisma, a commanding baritone voice, and the ability to be both terrifying and vulnerably human. Think Shakespearean king meets hip-hop mogul.
• Cookie Lyon: The fierce, street-smart, and loyal matriarch. The role demands explosive emotional range, impeccable comedic timing, and a powerful, soulful presence. Cookie is the heart and the grit of the show.
• Andre Lyon: The ambitious, tormented, and musically talented oldest son. Requires an actor who can portray internalized pain, strategic manipulation, and a constant battle for his father’s approval.
• Jamal Lyon: The talented, sensitive, and openly gay middle child. The role calls for an actor with exceptional musical ability (especially singing), emotional depth, and the strength to portray vulnerability in a hyper-masculine environment.
• Hakeem Lyon: The youngest, most impulsive, and naturally gifted rapper. Needs an actor with youthful swagger, comedic flair, and the ability to show Hakeem’s growth from bratty star to responsible man.

2. The Extended Family & Power Players:

• Anika Calhoun: The ambitious, beautiful, and often treacherous head of A&M and later, various other power positions. Requires an actress with elegance, sharp intelligence, and a chilling capacity for manipulation.
• Becky Williams: The loyal, witty, and powerful head of artists and repertoire (A&R). A role that combines sharp business acumen with hilarious, grounded humanity.
• Tiana Brown: The fierce, loyal, and talented lead artist at Empire. Requires a strong singer/dancer with a confident, no-nonsense attitude and a deep bond with the Lyon family.

3. The Antagonists & Rivals:

• Shyne Johnson: A flashy, violent, and ambitious rival music executive. The actor must project dangerous charisma and a constant, simmering threat.
• Franklin: A calculating, smooth-talking corporate raider. Calls for an actor with a silky, persuasive demeanor that masks ruthless ambition.

4. The Supporting Cast & Guest Roles:
This is where many actors get their start. Roles include lawyers, doctors, other artists, detectives, and colorful characters from the Lyon’s past. These parts often require strong specificity—a unique look, a particular skill (like playing an instrument), or a distinct personality quirk that makes them memorable in a single scene.

How to Research and Own Your Character

Before you audition, you must become an expert on the character. This goes far beyond reading the sides.

• Watch the Show: Binge relevant seasons. Understand the character’s history, relationships, speech patterns, and motivations. How do they react under pressure? What is their humor like?
• Read the Full Script: If available, read the entire episode to see your character’s arc, not just your scenes. Context is everything.
• Create a Backstory: Fill in the blanks. What happened to this character before the script begins? What do they want right now in this scene? What are they afraid of?
• Make Specific Choices: Don’t just “be angry.” Are you furious? Seething? Righteously indignant? Is your character trying to hide their anger with a smile? Specific, active choices are what stand out.

How to Prepare for Your Empire Audition: Actionable Tips for Success

Preparation is the non-negotiable foundation of a great audition. Your goal is to make the casting director’s job easy by presenting a fully realized, directed-ready performance.

1. Master the Material:

• Analyze the Script: Break down the scene’s objective, obstacles, and tactics. What does your character want from the other person? What are they doing to get it?
• Memorize Flawlessly: Lines must be second nature. Any hesitation breaks the spell of the character. Use different techniques—write them out, record yourself, run lines with a partner.
• Understand the Tone:Empire is heightened reality. Emotions are big, dialogue is sharp, and stakes are sky-high. Your performance should match that scale, but remain truthful. Avoid broad, cartoonish acting; aim for authentic intensity.

2. Craft Your Physical and Vocal Presentation:

• Wardrobe: Dress suggestively for the character. You don’t need a full costume, but a shirt, jacket, or accessory that hints at the character’s socioeconomic status and personality (e.g., sharp business attire for an executive, urban streetwear for an artist) can help you and the reader visualize. Avoid distracting logos or patterns.
• Hair and Makeup: Style yourself to feel like the character. For a role like Cookie, that might mean a bold lip or a specific wig style. For a corporate role, clean, polished grooming.
• Voice & Movement: Warm up your voice thoroughly. Empire characters have distinct rhythms—Lucious’s deliberate menace, Cookie’s rapid-fire Southern cadence, Jamal’s melodic sensitivity. Practice your lines with the character’s specific vocal quality. Be aware of your posture and physicality. How does this character occupy space?

3. Nail the Self-Tape (If Required):

• Technical Quality: Use a clean, well-lit space. Frame yourself from mid-chest up. Record in a quiet room. Use a neutral background (a plain wall). Ensure your audio is clear.
• Direction: Follow submission instructions exactly. Label files correctly. If they ask for a slate (your name, agent, role), do it simply and professionally.
• Performance: Perform for the camera. Your energy should be slightly larger than for an in-person audition since you lack the immediate feedback. Make strong, specific eye contact with the lens as if it’s your scene partner.
• Submit Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Technical glitches happen.

4. Mindset and Professionalism:

• Be Prepared to Adjust: Casting directors may ask you to try the scene a different way (“Now play it like you’re lying to them”). This is a test of your flexibility and listening skills. Don’t argue; try it.
• Be Polite and Gracious: Everyone you meet—the receptionist, the assistant, the reader—is part of the casting team. Be kind, thank them, and leave a positive impression.
• It’s a Conversation, Not an Interrogation: Treat the audition as a chance to show them how you collaborate. Be open, playful, and professional.

Common Mistakes That Could Cost You the Empire Role

Even talented actors can sabotage their chances with easily avoidable errors.

• Being Unprepared: The cardinal sin. Fumbling lines, not knowing the story, or having no opinion on the character shows a lack of professionalism and passion.
• Making Choices That Are Too Big or Too Small:Empire is big, but it’s not a cartoon. Avoid screaming every emotional beat. Conversely, don’t be so internalized that nothing is readable on camera. Find the heroic scale appropriate for television drama.
• Ignoring the Reader: Your scene partner (often a casting assistant) is your lifeline. Don’t ignore them or deliver lines to the floor. Listen and react truthfully.
• Wearing Inappropriate Attire: Don’t show up in a full costume or something wildly off-base. Dress suggestively and professionally. Avoid anything that distracts from your face and performance.
• Making Excuses: Never apologize for your performance in the room. If you make a mistake, smile, say “Sorry, let’s start again,” and continue. Don’t say “I’m nervous” or “I didn’t have much time to prepare.”
• Not Taking Direction: If a casting director gives a note, it’s a gift. They are seeing if you can take direction and incorporate it. Arguing or ignoring it is an instant red flag.
• Lack of Research: Walking in without having watched recent seasons or understanding the show’s current storylines makes you look disconnected and uninterested.

The "Typecast" Fear: Should You Avoid Certain Roles?

Many actors fear being typecast, especially in a show with strong, iconic roles like Empire. The advice is: audition for what you are right now, not what you want to be in five years. If you are 25 and look like a college student, audition for Hakeem or Jamal’s friends. If you have a powerful, motherly presence, go for Cookie-esque roles or guest parts as a matriarch. Getting your foot in the door with a recognizable show, even in a small role, builds credits and relationships. The goal is to book a job on Empire, which then makes you a known quantity for future roles, potentially larger ones. Don’t let the fear of being pigeonholed prevent you from seizing a concrete opportunity.

Behind the Scenes: What Really Happens at an Empire Casting Call

The atmosphere in a Empire casting room is a unique blend of high pressure and creative collaboration. You walk in, often after waiting in a lobby with dozens of other hopefuls. You’re greeted by a casting associate, who may give you a brief note or just ask you to perform. The room itself usually contains a camera on a tripod, a monitor for the casting director to watch, and a reader (another associate or sometimes a professional actor) who sits opposite you.

The casting director, like Avy Kaufman or her associates, will be watching from behind the monitor. They are not just judging your performance; they are observing your process. How quickly do you get into character? How do you treat the reader? How do you respond to a redirect? They are looking for someone who is reliable, adaptable, and brings a spark of originality to the material. Sometimes, they will have you perform the scene multiple times, each time with a slightly different intention (“Now try it like you’re trying to manipulate him,” or “Now play it like you’ve just heard a secret that changes everything”). This is your chance to show your range and your ability to take direction. It’s less about one “perfect” take and more about demonstrating your toolkit as an actor. The energy is professional and focused, but not unnecessarily intimidating. They want you to do well; they are hoping you’ll be the answer to their casting puzzle. Your job is to be a solution.

Inspiring Success Stories: From Open Call to Empire Star

The Empire casting process has launched several careers, proving that discovery is always possible. The most famous story is that of Bryshere Y. Gray, who plays Hakeem. He was a high school football player and rapper in Philadelphia with no formal acting training. He submitted a self-tape audition on a whim after seeing a casting notice. His raw charisma, natural hip-hop sensibility, and undeniable screen presence stunned the casting team. He was flown to Los Angeles, tested, and ultimately won the role, becoming a star overnight. His story is a testament to the power of a great self-tape and authentic talent.

Other actors, like Ta'Rhonda Jones (who plays Porsha), were discovered through more traditional channels but brought such a specific, hilarious, and grounded performance to their audition that they created a character that became a fan favorite. Gabourey Sidibe’s portrayal of Becky Williams is another masterclass in an actor defining a role so completely that the character becomes iconic. These actors share common traits: they brought an unmistakable uniqueness to their roles, they were thoroughly prepared, and they had the resilience to navigate the long audition process. Their paths weren’t identical, but each demonstrated that the Empire casting team is fiercely dedicated to finding fresh, exciting faces who can own their world, regardless of prior credits.

Lessons from the Casting of "Empire"

1. Your Unique Look is an Asset: The show celebrates distinctive faces and styles. Don’t try to look like someone else. Your individual features and energy are what they want.
2. Musical Talent Opens Doors: For many roles, being able to sing or rap authentically is a huge differentiator. If you have that skill, highlight it prominently in your submission materials.
3. Confidence is Magnetic: The actors who book often have a quiet, unshakeable confidence. They know who they are and what they bring. This isn’t arrogance; it’s the assurance that comes from preparation and self-belief.
4. Persistence Pays: Many of these actors faced rejection before Empire. The key was not giving up and continuing to work on their craft.

Future Opportunities: Spin-Offs, New Seasons, and How to Stay Informed

The Empire universe is not closed. While the original series concluded in 2020, the potential for revivals, sequels, or spin-offs remains, given the rich history and beloved characters. Furthermore, the creative team behind Empire (Lee Daniels, Danny Strong, etc.) is constantly developing new projects. The best way to stay informed about official Empire show casting calls and other opportunities from the same producers is through legitimate channels.

• Official Network Sources: Always check the FOX Broadcasting Company’s official casting website or their social media channels for any official announcements regarding Empire or related projects.
• Reputable Casting Websites: Sites like Backstage, Casting Networks, and Actors Access are industry standards. Legitimate casting notices for Empire will appear here. Be wary of any site or person asking for money to submit or to be “considered” for a role.
• Follow the Casting Directors: Industry professionals like Avy Kaufman sometimes post casting calls or tips on social media (like Instagram or Twitter). Following them can provide insight into their process and upcoming projects.
• Talent Agents and Managers: If you have representation, they are your primary source for major network casting opportunities. Maintain strong communication with them.
• Local Casting Notices: For background actors, extras, and very small local roles, keep an eye on local film office websites (like the Georgia Film Office if shooting in Atlanta) or local casting Facebook groups.

Never pay for the opportunity to audition. Legitimate casting calls are free. If you encounter a scam offering guaranteed roles for a fee, report it. Your financial investment should be in your craft—headshots, classes, and demo reels—not in submitting to a fake casting call.

Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now

The allure of the Empire casting call is more than just a shot at fame; it’s a chance to be part of a cultural landmark that blended music, drama, and social commentary in a way few shows have. Landing a role requires a potent mix of talent, preparation, strategy, and resilience. You must understand the show’s unique DNA, research characters with scholarly dedication, present yourself with professional polish, and bring an authentic, specific energy that can’t be taught. Remember the stories of Bryshere Y. Gray and others—their breakthroughs happened because they submitted, prepared, and delivered a performance that was undeniably them.

The process is competitive, often involving thousands of submissions for a handful of roles. Do not be discouraged by the numbers. Instead, let it fuel your preparation. Focus on what you can control: the depth of your character analysis, the quality of your self-tape, your professionalism in the room, and your continuous growth as an artist. Whether your dream is to stand in the boardroom as a Lyon executive, command the stage as an Empire artist, or deliver a single, memorable line that lands perfectly, the path begins with that first audition. Study this guide, hone your skills, and when the next official Empire show casting call is announced, you will not just be another face in the crowd. You will be a prepared, compelling, and unforgettable candidate, ready to claim your place in the empire. Now, go prepare, and break a leg.