Casting: Cedar Lake - Pilot Episode

To audition for the roles of Brady or Ally in the Cedar Lake pilot episode, candidates must be over 18 years of age. The character Brady is looking for a male actor who can portray a charming and observant 17-year-old, while Ally is aimed at a female actor who can convincingly play a 19-year-old lead singer. Experience in acting is preferred, and we encourage applicants to submit headshots and resumes that reflect their relevant experience.

The pilot episode of Cedar Lake is scheduled to shoot from May 23 to June 2, 2025. Actors applying for the roles of Brady or Ally should be available for at least 5 to 6 of these shoot dates in the Pittsburgh, PA area. This flexibility is crucial as the project aims to capture the true essence of the narrative.

As this is a non-union production, the roles of Brady and Ally in Cedar Lake are unpaid. However, participants will receive credit, meals during filming, and a copy of their work, which can be great for building your portfolio and gaining exposure in the industry.

When applying for the casting call for Cedar Lake, it’s beneficial to include a well-crafted resume highlighting your acting experience, training, and any past performances. If available, self-tape samples or a reel showcasing your acting skills will also strengthen your application and help us understand your range and suitability for the roles of Brady or Ally.

To submit your application for the roles of Brady or Ally in the Cedar Lake pilot episode, please email [Pending Approval] with the appropriate subject line indicating which role you are applying for. Attach your headshot and resume, and include any reel or relevant self-tape samples if possible. Additionally, be sure to mention your availability during the shooting schedule.

In your response, it's vital to demonstrate an understanding of your character's complexity. For Brady, discuss how his charm belies his deeper struggles and how he evolves during the story. For Ally, focus on her artistic perspective and maturity, explaining how she perceives the group's dynamics and what drives her to express herself through music.

Share specific aspects of your own experiences that resonate with your character’s backstory. Mention how you might relate to themes of grief and identity, drawing parallels between your life and what your character faces, as it will show the casting team your depth of understanding and emotional range.

Express unique qualities and skills that make you an ideal fit for the role. For Brady, highlight your sharp wit and capability to portray emotional depth. For Ally, emphasize your artistic vision and ability to convey maturity, showing how these characteristics can enrich your performance.

Discuss methods you use to prepare for emotionally charged scenes, such as visualization or personal reflection techniques. Mention how important it is to stay connected to your character’s emotions while remaining professional, ensuring a genuine performance that resonates with the audience.

Explain your passion for coming-of-age stories and how Cedar Lake's themes of grief, guilt, and teenage friendship resonate with you. Sharing personal connections will reflect your commitment and enthusiasm for the project, making you a more compelling candidate.

Outline your process for developing a character, including research, script analysis, and working with directors and fellow actors. Show that you are collaborative and flexible, and highlight how your process can contribute to a richer portrayal of characters in Cedar Lake.

Identify a key trait for Brady or Ally that you feel is crucial to their role in the story. For Brady, it could be loyalty and observation skills; for Ally, it might be her artistic drive and perceptiveness. Discuss how this trait influences their decisions and interactions throughout the narrative.

Describe a past role where you faced significant challenges, such as emotional scenes or complex character dynamics. Highlight the lessons you learned and how these experiences have prepared you to take on the roles in Cedar Lake, demonstrating your growth as an actor.

Showcase your grasp of the Cedar Lake plot and themes by discussing the key elements of the story, such as the investigation into the main character’s brother's death and the toxic dynamics within the friend group. This will demonstrate your investment in the project and its characters.

Emphasize your willingness to take direction and collaborate actively with the creative team to achieve the vision of Cedar Lake. Discuss your appreciation for constructive feedback and how you would work together to bring authenticity to your character and enhance the overall narrative.