About Chicago
When you think of Chicago, you may be thinking of Chicago Cubs baseball, the Bears football team, or the Blackhawks hockey team if you are a sports fan. Alternatively, if you are an outdoorsy nature lover, you are thinking about the 570 parks and green spaces in the city. But for casting, you may not know what to think.
Actually, you could consider one of those venues like Wrigley Field or Millennium Park for your casting space in Chicago or choose from one of the many theaters, galleries, and film studios. The city boasts an array of cultural sites and even industrial spaces to choose from for your casting event.
Interesting Fact: Chicago’s elevated railway (also known as the “L”) was the first in the world, installed in 1892.
Casting Space Options in Chicago
The city is bursting with talent so choosing Chicago for your casting space is genius. You will find a plethora of creative people looking for work in the area so all you need to do is book a spot and they will come. But you also may need some other incentives like cameras, lighting, food, comfortable seating, and props.
- Equipment
From cameras to video recorders, microphones, and a sound system, there are many things you need to consider when planning your casting setup. And of course, you will need a stage with plenty of space for dancing and moving around. If there will be singing, you have to have special acoustics as well.
- Furniture
No matter what kind of casting call you are planning, you will always need places for people to sit. And if you are going to be shooting any mock-up scenes, some props and special furniture may also be needed. Don’t forget to provide tables and chairs for food setup and eating.
- Catering
It is always a good idea to provide some kind of sustenance when you have a gathering of people for any amount of time. They don’t call them “starving artists” for nothing, after all. Up and coming actors and actresses will appreciate some snacks or a buffet and so will the crew.
Casting Space Companies in Chicago
Getting things in order ahead of time is crucial when it comes to planning your casting space in Chicago. It is a big city full of many companies and vendors who can help you, but it can be hard to know the right ones to choose.
- PRG
No matter whether you are looking for audio equipment, video and camera products, special lighting, or a whole stage set up, PRG is a leading company in the audio-visual field in Chicago. Also, they have the staff and crew to go along with their products to set up rigging and automation, scenes, and projection. They have been in business for 30+ years and have offices in 17 countries around the world.
- Outside the Box
For delivery or full-service catering, Outside the Box goes above and beyond to make sure you get what you want at the price you need. If you are on a tight budget, just have them drop off some boxed meals that you can have your crew set up. Or for a special layout, try the four-course meal or deluxe table setting.
- CORT Events
CORT has more than 45 years of experience providing state-of-the-art furniture, accents, and décor for all kinds of events. If you just want the basic chairs and tables, they can do that. Or you can get a variety of soft comfy furniture as well as contemporary settings, lamps, and throw pillows for a casual look.
Pros and Cons of Casting Spaces in Chicago
You should always check out the details about whatever city you plan to host an event in before you make any final decisions. It is good to know about the best time of year for the weather, crowds, and traffic as well as whether you should rent a car or use public transportation. Here are a few things we think are important.
Advantages
- So much to do
During your stay, if you want to get out and cut loose, Chicago is full of entertaining places to visit. In fact, the bar scene is popular with about 900 different bars and lounges. Clubs are always hopping too so you will not have trouble finding some fun.
- Outdoor fun
If your idea of fun is more along the lines of boating, swimming, and fishing, you will enjoy Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. There are 26 public beaches and 570 public parks to enjoy while you are in town for your casting call.
- Transportation
Why rent a car when Chicago has such excellent public transportation? Avoid the traffic and take the bus or light rail.
Disadvantages
- Traffic
Speaking of traffic, the average commute in Chicago is about 34 minutes and that is way above the national average of 26 minutes. In fact, it adds up to an extra 12 days of time wasted on the road per year.
- Tourists
One of the reasons that traffic is so awful in Chicago is because they attract about 58 million visitors per year. That is a lot of extra people in a city already packed with almost three million residents.
- Weather extremes
The summer can be brutal with high humidity and temps in the 90s while the winters are equally rough with tons of snow and chilly temps below freezing. Plan your casting event in spring or fall for better weather.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- The Chicago Theatre
Also known as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre, this building is a landmark as well as a fantastic place to see a show. It was built in 1921 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The neo-baroque stucco-designed building takes up a half-block in downtown Chicago hosting performing arts all year long.
- Millennium Park
The first thing most people see here is the giant silver bean, which is actually a 33H x 42W x 62L-foot work of art called the Cloud Gate done by Anish Kapoor. The Crown Fountain is also a work of art where the water comes out of a giant video screen. Then there is the Lurie Garden, Harris Theater, Boeing Galleries, and Wrigley Square.
- Shedd Aquarium
This stunning aquarium was the first permanent saltwater fish collection inland with over 32,000 marine animals to see. The Beluga whales are very popular as well as the sharks and alligators. But the most popular spot in the place is the Underwater Beauty featuring butterflyfish, seahorses, fairy fish, jellies, and eels.
