Casting Buffalo Actors Expo 2025
- UNDER 16 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN
Casting Buffalo Actors Expo connects WNY actors & crew with training, networking, and industry access. Build your career here.
Date and time
Location
Rich’s Catering & Special Events
1 Robert Rich Way Buffalo, NY 14213Refund Policy
Lineup
About this event
- Event lasts 7 hours
- UNDER 16 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN
- Free venue parking
🎬 Cast. Crew. Careers. Set life starts here.
Welcome to the Casting Buffalo Actors Expo! Join us for a day at Western New York’s premier industry event for aspiring actors, professional talent, and emerging crew members ready to break into the film, TV, and commercial production industry.
Whether you’re a performer, filmmaker, student, or simply curious about working behind the scenes — this event offers real training, real connections, and real career momentum.
This event is the perfect opportunity to showcase your talent and connect with casting directors, industry leaders, and fellow actors. Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to take your acting career to the next level. See you there!
Buffalo, NY – Casting Buffalo, the leading film and commercial casting company in Western New York established by Kyle Mecca, Harry Lipsitz, & Peter Johnson is thrilled to announce the annual "Casting Buffalo Actors Expo" returns on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, from 12pm to 7pm at The Atrium at Rich’s, located at 1 Robert Rich Way, Buffalo, NY 14213.
The Casting Buffalo Actors Expo is a a one-stop industry event for local talent of all ages and aspiring crew who want to begin a career in the movies. Designed to educate, connect, and empower, the expo offers vital career insights and hands-on resources to help performers & crew members land roles in film, television, theater, and commercial productions across Western New York and beyond.
Hosted by Jordan Lema, CEO of Lemur Studios, City Producer of Buffalo 48 Hour Film Project, and Co-host of Podcasting Buffalo, Jordan is an advocate for creative entrepreneurship who was named one of Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 in 2020 creating content with leading local brands and organizations.
The 2025 Keynote Speaker will feature Buffalo legend & Emmy Award Winner, Tom Fontana, writer, executive producer, and creator of ground breaking television series' St. Elsewhere, Homicide: Life on the Streets, HBO's OZ, Netflix's Borgia, and AMC/Canal+ series Monsieur Spade.
Featuring panels On Acting from hometown actress Charlene Amoia of How I Met Your Mother, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Fear Street series, and Cobra Kai. And Producing Panel from Buffalo native Mark Brazill, writer and producer of That 70's Show, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and In Living Color with actress and producer Elea Oberon of The Longest Ride, The Bold and The Beautiful and Sin's Kitchen.
Attendees will have the opportunities to network with local talent including community filmmakers and industry leaders. Meet local casting directors, professional acting coaches, and vocal coaches. Receive new Drive-Thru Headshots chosen by Casting Buffalo from Andrew Griesmann Photography & Gadabout Photography($85 including GA Ticket). Witness Live Stunt Showcases from Robbins Stunt Team and sit in on the Craft of Choice Presentation by SAG-AFTRA actor Bob Bozek.
Train to recieve a certification in our Production Assistant (PA) Certification Course presented by Casting Buffalo & Buffalo Camera, instructed by DGA eligable NYC Staff ($50 including GA Ticket) and attend workshops for Locations, Art, Grip & Electric, and Camera departments presented by Film Neighbor Network.
Plus seminars on Independent Producing by Gregory Lamberson, PGA. and Tailoring Acting Reels with Tony Grande of 2NY Video. Finally, join a tour of Great Point Studios Buffalo guided by film producer Mac Cappuccino of Clown, Givers of Death, and numerous Christmas movies shot in Buffalo, NY from Fred Olen Ray & Great American Family.
With dozens of local vendors and exhibitors from various corners within the entertainment industry, attendees can interact with union crew members from I.A.T.S.E., reel editors, production house Buffalo Camera at Expressway Cinema Rentals, brand managers, spokespersons from area colleges and universities with theatre and film programs, talent agencies, and union represenatives.
Join us for a day of real training, real connections, and real career momentum. Set life starts here.
🎟️ EXCLUSIVE TICKET PACKAGES (at Checkout):
📸 Drive-Thru Headshots - $85.00
12:30pm-6:30pm
Presented by Andrew Griesmann Photography & Gadabout Photography
Includes:
- 1 General Admission Ticket
- 10 minute session with a professional local photographer
- 5 professionally edited headshots
- Selects chosen by the casting directors of Casting Buffalo.
- Final edits delivered via email within 45 days of the event.
- Post-purchase: you’ll receive a scheduling email to pick your session time on the day of the event, scheduling emails will be sent up to 24 hours before the event.
Heads up: Price increases day-of. All sales final.
🎓Production Assistant (PA) Certification Course - $50.00
12:20pm-2:50pm
Presented by Casting Buffalo, taught by instructors Randi Langdon & Ty Walker
Includes:
- 1 General Admission Ticket
- 2 hour 30 minute course of detailed training on how to be a Production Assistant; breaking down your first day on-set, set etiquette, production hierarchy, how to use a walkie, walkie lingo,and how to keep getting hired.
- PA Cheat Sheet Booklet
- Digital Certification Test
- Personalized Casting Buffalo Course Certificate
- Added to the crew contact list of local DGA Assistant Directors, Film Neighbor Network, Buffalo Camera, and the Buffalo Niagara Film Office.
Notice: All sales final.
💰 Expo Bundle - $100.00
Includes:
- 1 General Admission Ticket
- 1 Admission for the Production Assistant (PA) Certification Course
- 1 Admission for Drive-Thru Headshots
Notice: All sales final.
🌟 For All Ages & Experience Levels
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your career, the Casting Buffalo Actors Expo is built for you. We welcome talent and crew at every stage of their creative journey:
- 🎬 Aspiring Actors — Learn how to audition, build your reel, and get discovered
- 🎓 College & High School Students — Explore careers in acting, directing, camera, design, and more
- 🎥 Emerging & Professional Crew — Get certified, network with union leaders, and sharpen your on-set skills
- 🧒 Youth & Teen Performers — Meet casting directors, discover safe pathways into the industry, and attend sessions with parents
- 🎭 Stage to Screen — Transitioning from theater? Get insider tips on working in film & television
- 🧑💼 Career-Changers & Adults — Interested in working behind the scenes? Learn how to start strong as a PA or crew member
No matter your age or experience level, the Expo offers tools, training, and community to help you grow. If you’re passionate about storytelling, there’s a place for you here.
🍔 FOOD TRUCKS ON SITE
Grab lunch or a snack throughout the day from a selection of local food trucks parked just outside the venue including:
- The Cheesy Chick - 12pm to 3:30pm
- More TBA
About Casting Buffalo
Casting Buffalo, LLC was established by Kyle Mecca, Harry Lipsitz, & Peter Johnson to be a cornerstone for film and commercial casting in Western New York. Founded in 2020, they connect top-tier talent and crew with industry-leading projects across the region and beyond. With an eye for talent and the unique ability to build lasting relationships they have worked on the most prestigious projects shot in the Buffalo, NY including MARSHALL, THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF WOLFBOY, THE FIRST PURGE, A QUIET PLACE : PART II, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: NEXT TO KIN, and CUTMAN, along with the upcoming THE PANIC, YETI, NEWPORT CHRISTMAS and Hallmark Channel's HOLIDAY TOUCHDOWN: A BILLS LOVE STORY. Follow us: Click Here
📣 FOLLOW US
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Frequently asked questions
Tickets may only be purchased at the door online via Eventbrite. No cash is accepted.
Yes. A Student ID must be presented at the door for entry as there are only a limited supply of Student tickets available. Student Admission is valid for College/University, High School, and Middle School students. We will honor the Student Admission for ages under 18.
Yes! Youth and teen performers are encouraged to attend. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children Admission is available for purchase for $15. The event is free to children ages 5 and under. All accompanied adults must purchase a general admission ticket.
There are limited parking spaces inside the Rich's private lot but there is extended across the street and street parking down Niagara St. There is no additional fee other than the city guidelines posted.
Check in at the registration table at the entrance of The Atrium at Rich’s (1 Robert Rich Way, Buffalo, NY 14213). You’ll receive a wristband and schedule for the day.
We recommend: dressing business casual, bringing a notebook and pen, business cards or a resume (if applicable), water bottle, comfortable shoes — you’ll be moving around! If you’re signed up for headshots, wear something clean and simple on top (no busy patterns or logos).
Yes! Food trucks will be on-site in the parking lot throughout the day with local options for purchase.
While this is not an audition event and attendance will not result in casting, it is a valuable opportunity to connect with industry professionals and learn more about the process. You may join the Casting Buffalo talent database for free at castingbuffalo.com anytime!
General Admission gives you access to: All panels, seminars, and Q&As, Live stunt showcases, Studio tours, Vendor and networking area, Opportunity to connect with casting directors and film pros, Admission to Drive-Thru Headshots and PA Certification Course must be purchased separately.
No. Unfortunately there are no addition discounts provided on the Exclusive Packages. Limited quantities available.
No — these are separate ticket admissions available at checkout. They include General Admission in their price, so no need to buy both.
Use the Promo Code: MILITARY