An upcoming HBO miniseries has been searching for talent in Alberta including an open casting call in Edmonton.
Casting director Rene Haynes, who also scouted talent for the wolfpack in Twilight and Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves, was at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre Saturday.
Along with several big-screen hopefuls.
“I always wanted to do a small bit part once,” Kass Ashley told CTV News.
“If I had this part it would be a bonus. It would be a thrill.”
According to Variety magazine the project is an adaptation of the Stephen Ambrose book about explorers Lewis and Clark.
HBO will be teaming up with National Geographic and actors Edward Norton and Brad Pitt as executive producers for the 10-part miniseries.
Not having acted before, Ashley said he has been encouraged by friends and family to give it a try.
“I just want to represent my culture well and hopefully be an example for my family and friends.”
One of the parts is for Sacagawea who guided Lewis and Clark across America.
It was for that role that Kayla Lum Black flew in from Vancouver to audition.
“It was nerve racking,” she said, adding she was also nervous during her performance.
“It is the same for every audition.
“They ask questions about yourself, where you are from. Other than that it was very basic. It was very simple. Very simple. It wasn’t anything pressuring.”
According to the Cast It website, the company has been seeking individuals of all ages familiar with the Shoshone, Nex Perce, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Blackfeet, Chinook, Clatsop, Walla Wally, Sioux and Shawnee languages.
Casting calls will also be held in Rocky Mountain House, Calgary and Lethbridge.
With files from Nicole Weisberg
