Step into the spotlight with a contest designed by those who truly live in the world of Story, Stage, and Screen. As the extras casting director for acclaimed projects like The Dark Knight, Fred Claus, Ali, Chicago Fire, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and many more, I’ve spent a lifetime championing both emerging and established talent. As an award-winning screenwriter, a founder of the not-for-profit Show People Give (supporting filmmakers’ projects and igniting pay-it-forward action), and creator of The Darling Series greeting cards for showbiz souls, I know firsthand the passion and dedication the craft of acting demands.

 

Now, through The Best Actor, Best Actress International Contest, I am inviting you to experience a new spin on acting competitions—one that celebrates your artistry and amplifies the spirit of community. This is more than just a contest: it’s the first project from Show People Give, created by and for those who believe in giving back, supporting each other, and building a stronger, kinder artistic world.

 

Whether you’re an up-and-coming performer or a seasoned storyteller, this is your chance to shine, to be seen, and to join a movement that uses creativity for good. Every entry fee helps fund future artistic projects and acts of kindness for filmmakers and artists like you.

Let’s elevate each other and inspire the world—on stage, on screen, and beyond. Enter now, share your talent, and be part of a legacy where your performance is more than a role; it’s a ripple effect of kindness and creativity.

 

— Joan Philo