About Washington DC
Washington DC, the second capital of the United States adopted in 1791, is home to some of the nation’s most iconic museums and historic sites. The city sees more than 20 million visitors annually, a hotspot for both American and international tourists. Washington DC is also home to a thriving community of immigrants, with more than 10 percent of its residents having been born in another country.
Because of this, you’ll find a tasty array of authentic foods from many countries, along with annual festivals and celebrations. The city has many free attractions and museums, sports fans can take in a professional baseball, football, hockey or soccer game, and there are many historical sites both in the city and within a short drive in any direction.
Washington DC is a sought-after filming location, and not just for political thrillers. Interested actors have many options for attending casting calls at a variety of casting spaces throughout the city. There are also several local businesses available to support your crew and potential cast.
Casting Space Options in Washington DC
Whether you’re hosting auditions for a small independent film or a major motion picture, there is a wide range of venues to use as casting space in Washington DC. From catering to costumes and production equipment to props, you’ll find a local business available to help you achieve success.
- Transportation
Depending on the type of film you’re producing and where you’re holding the casting call, you may have both actors and crew flying in from around the country to participate. Because Dulles International Airport is located across the Potomac River in Virginia, you’ll likely need to hire a transportation company to drive personnel to your location. There are rideshares, car services and limousine services for VIPs available, as well as companies that charter private jets.
- Catering
A successful casting call can take time, depending on whether you’re cold-reading, doing screen tests or reading with multiple actors. There are several restaurants and catering companies in Washington DC that can provide any kind of spread you’re looking for, from fresh salads and sandwiches to taco bars to mouthwatering dessert trays. Most special dietary needs can be accommodated, and many companies can also provide beverage services for happy hour after the call is completed.
- Equipment Rental
You may discover in the middle of your casting call that you’re missing a piece of essential equipment or prop. You’ll find service providers available to rent film production equipment, lighting setups, basics such as tables and chairs, costumes and more. You’ll also find trailers and trucks available for rent to transport your equipment to the casting space in Washington DC.
Casting Space Companies in Washington DC
Casting calls are an important part of getting your film or stage production off the ground. A professional meeting or event planner can take care of the logistics and small details so you can work on the most important aspects of your project.
- TriVision Studios
The award-winning TriVision Studios has more than 25 years of experience as a full-service production studio in the greater Washington DC area. They can assist you with your production at a site of your choosing or at one of their state-of-the-art studios located throughout the city. Services provided include video consultation and concept development, scriptwriting and storyboard development, custom set design, HD and 4K videography and 3D animation.
- Mosaic Theater Company
Since 2014, the Mosaic Theater Company has been championing the development of new work and stories that haven’t yet been told on the stage. The company produced 10 world-premier plays in its first five seasons and continues to embrace and elevate the work of women and minority playwrights.
- J Street Group
The J Street Group is an exclusively woman-owned and operated event planning company with many years of experience in the Washington DC special events industry. The firm offers full-service planning, management, design and production of events of all types and sizes. In addition to taking care of all of your planning needs, J Street Group can also provide experienced and professional staff, including security personnel for movie premiers, screenings and book signings.
Pros and Cons of Casting Spaces in Washington DC
There are many options for both exclusive and accessible casting spaces in Washington DC, but there are some advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Advantages
- Diversity
Washington DC is home to many diverse neighborhoods and immigrant communities that can lend authenticity to your production.
- Seasonal weather
Washington DC experiences all four seasons, ensuring you’ll have the look you want for your casting space.
- Location
Washington DC is a short flight or train ride from many population centers in the Northeast.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
Adhere to your financial plan since amenities in Washington DC are more expensive than some other major cities in the region.
- Crime
There are pockets of high crime in the city, mostly limited to certain neighborhoods at night.
- Traffic
Plan a casting space in Washington DC that is near public transportation. This is not a city designed for cars, with easily gridlocked streets during busy periods.
Famous Locations in Washington DC
- National Air and Space Museums
Guided by the Smithsonian Institution, the National Air and Space Museum houses the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. The museum’s permanent collection holds aircraft from some of the most famous aviators in the world, including the Wright brothers’ 1903 flyer, Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega and the Mercury Friendship 7 spacecraft. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts rotating and traveling exhibits, such as Cold War Aviation, Applications Satellites, How Things Fly and more.
- US Capitol
A symbol of American Democracy through the centuries, the United States Capitol has undergone many renovations and changes in its lifetime. Along with serving as the meeting place for the Houses of Congress, the Capitol rotunda also houses a variety of exhibits about both the building itself and the US government. Visitors can tour the Capitol and its grounds and walk through the Statuary Hall and even watch a session of Congress, if one is open to the public.
- Washington Monument
One of the most recognizable landmarks in both Washington DC and the United States, the Washington Monument is a stately obelisk sitting at the end of the National Mall reflecting pool. Built to memorialize the nation’s first president, visitors can tour to grounds around the monument, as well as take an elevator to the top of the structure for stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding city and Potomac River.
