The hundreds of thousands of men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis protecting our country are stars in their own right, only not all of them can brag that they made it on TV because of their jobs… until now.
The mega-popular soap opera “All My Children” is holding an open casting call for an Iraq war veteran to play an injured veteran. That’s right; instead of taking the easy way out by hiring an actor to play the part, the ABC daytime serial is about to make history by inviting veterans to contact the show’s New York casting director. The series also is working with a veterans’ support group, USA Cares, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well as other military groups to weed out fakes ala the Hannah Montana essay winner.
And the role is not just for a spot as an extra—-this is the real deal. “All My Children” writers have created a romantic story line they say combines “entertainment and a window into the challenges faced after combat.”
According to “All My Children’s” executive producer, hiring a real war veteran “will make it such a heightened experience for the audience and for us … to cast a real-life soldier and bring him into our created drama.”
Okay, so now you know that producers are looking for a male veteran (sorry ladies). The chosen serviceman will play the character of Brot, a key figure in a plot that’s already under way, which features Army Lt. Taylor Thompson played by Beth Ehlers. Taylor, who was stationed in Iraq and is on medical leave, has come to town to deliver medals to fellow soldier Dr. Frankie Hubbard (played by Cornelius Smith Jr.). But according to producers, it’s Brot, the soldier and lover Taylor believes died in combat, who’s on her mind. As you may have already figured out Brot survived, but wants to spare Taylor from having to see him suffer so he is allowing her to think he’s dead. Producers say the plot will thicken when the right veteran is found for the part.
If you think you are perfect for the part (or know someone who is the ideal Brot) keep in mind the following criteria:
The casting call isn’t limited to those who were wounded in the war. However, producers say the role will be shaped around a veteran’s experience, possibly including a war-caused disability.
The person needs to be willing to share his story with writers since it is his experiences and challenges that will help them create the character.