ANNE CHAPMAN CASTING is seeking 7 actors for a SAG-AFTRA SPA Grad Thesis Short Film shooting in Virginia Beach, VA June 23-30th, 2026
Seeking Cuban-American & Filipino-American actors! Real siblings encouraged to submit! Hampton Roads locals encouraged to submit!
CROSS TO BEAR
Feirstein Graduate Thesis Film
SAG-AFTRA Short Project Agreement
Director & Screenwriter: David Brown
Producers: Joan Cheng, LaVar Hinkson, Jack Pupkin
Casting Director: Anne N. Chapman
Casting Associate: Carly Hough
1st round via Self tape
Virtual CB Date TBD, likely the week of May 18th
Production Dates: June 23rd-June 30th, 2026
Shoot Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Rate: $249-$300/day + 10% if submitted by agent
Storyline: Norfolk, VA 1969. Cuban immigrant and motel housekeeper, Dahlia, struggles to raise her four young children, while her husband serves in the Navy. After she finds out she is pregnant yet again, she is forced to decide how she wants to proceed with pregnancy and how to tell her husband before he leaves on tour again.
Seeking the following:
[DAHLIA] Mid 30s, Cuban Woman,
A Cuban immigrant to the United States who misses her mother and sister in Cuba. Dahlia looks forward to letters from home. While she is a compassionate matriarch of the Bolivar family, she is exhausted from work, motherhood and her new pregnancy. With four kids to support already, she has to confront the potential of how it will affect her life, and that of her family. Deeply in love with her husband, but struggles to balance their busy life when he is away. An observant Catholic. Works hard to get by. No quiet moments to herself.
LEAD
RATE: $300/DAY for [6] days +10% if agent
Must be fluent in English and Spanish. Cuban accent a plus. Must be comfortable wearing a bathing suit on the beach (no water involved), portraying dry heaving and kneeling. Must be comfortable kissing the actor in the role of Valerio.
[VALERIO] 35-40 years old Filipino Man
A Filipino immigrant to the United States. A sailor in the United States Navy recently returned home to Norfolk from a tour of duty. Married to Dahlia for 14 years and deeply in love. Slightly conservative as a devoted Catholic, but unconditionally supports Dahlia and their children. Each of their children are a blessing. Comes from a big family, being one of 10 siblings himself. Valerie is a family man who would love to be a more present parent. Outgoing and animated personality. Could’ve been a chef in a different life. Physically fit.
LEAD
RATE: $300/DAY for [2] days +10% if agent
Filipino accent a plus. Tagalog proficiency a plus. Spanish proficiency a plus. Must be comfortable kissing the actress in the role of Dahlia. Must be comfortable wearing a bathing suit on the beach (no water involved)
[CORA] 30 years old, Hispanic Woman
Dahlia’s best friend and coworker at a beachfront motel. Cora is supportive but knows when Dahlia needs to face reality. A hardworking mother herself and understands the position Dahlia is in. BS detector who speaks her mind. Outgoing, loud and fun.
SUPPORTING
RATE: SAG SPA scale ($249/DAY) for [1] day +10% if agent
Must be fluent in English and Spanish. Must be comfortable smoking prop cigarettes.
[ALEJANDRO] 10 years old Cuban & Filipino-American Boy
First generation American and a military brat. Alejandro is the second youngest child in the Bolivar family and struggles the most out of his siblings to adjust to their most recent move. He feels increasingly isolated and alone. Tired of all of the moves and not fitting in. A budding filmmaker whose favorite escape is to the local movie theater.
RATE: SAG SPA scale ($249/DAY) for [3] days +10% if agent
Must be comfortable with SFX bruise makeup. Must be comfortable wearing a bathing suit on the beach (no water involved)
[CATALINA] 14 years old, Cuban & Filipino-American Girl
First generation American and a military brat. The eldest child of the family. A mini version of her mother. Mature. Knows the routine, and doesn’t need to be asked. Catalina is in the beginning of her adolescence and wants time to have fun. In her spare time, she loves to socialize and ride bikes with her friends. Loves her siblings.
RATE: SAG SPA scale ($249/DAY) for [2] days. +10% if agent
Must be comfortable wearing a bathing suit on the beach (no water involved)
[FRANK] 12 years old Cuban & Filipino-American Boy
First generation American and a military brat. The second eldest child. Energetic, fun, and adventurous. Adjusts well with each move and makes friends easily.
RATE: SAG SPA scale ($249/DAY) for [2] days +10% if agent
Must be comfortable wearing a bathing suit on the beach (no water involved)
[CARIDAD] 6 years old Cuban & Filipino-American Girl
First generation American and a military brat. The baby of the family and the apple of her father’s eye. Adorable, innocent, and happy-go-lucky. Caridad goes with the flow, she doesn’t feel the chaos.
RATE: SAG SPA scale ($249/DAY) for [2] days +10% if agent
Must be comfortable wearing a bathing suit on the beach (no water involved)
submit here: https://airtable.com/appG7cnbCIlJfNFS8/pagWa9M6jAoAvaE0J/form
***The Virginia Film Office is not affiliated with this project and it is up to the participants interested in this opportunity to get more details directly from the company.***