- Details
- By Darren Thompson
TULSA, Okla.—An open casting call for the upcoming season of “Reservation Dogs” brought thousands of Indigenous people to audition at the Park Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday.
The production hasn’t had an open casting call since the first season, where it found several Indigenous talents who had no previous acting experience prior to Reservation Dogs.
Distance didn’t deter many as people traveled from all over Indian Country to audition for a role. Vehicle license plates were from many Tribes in Oklahoma, but also out of state such as Minnesota, North Dakota, Texas, and New Mexico. Entire families reported to Native News Online that they made an event out of the opportunity to audition.
“This is my first time casting,” said Claudia Little-Axe, Seneca Cayuga from Miami, Oklah., to Native News Online. “I feel really good about this and I brought my children and my niece along for the experience.”
Lines to audition spanned more than four city blocks around Park Elementary School, located in a residential neighborhood in Tulsa. Food vendors were selling meat pies — a dish unique to the state — and Girl Scout cookies. As well, a food truck was set up for operation near the entrance of the school.
The production for the show was unable to share details about the upcoming season but did share how surprised they were at the amount of people who showed up for the casting call. Previous casting calls were held in Montana, Oklahoma, and Canada, where three of the main actors on the show are from. “Cheese,” who is one of the main characters, is played by Lane Factor, who didn’t have previous acting experience said one of the producers.
Nanette Harjo — mother of the hit show’s director and writer — Sterlin Harjo, said she was thrilled at the turnout.
“I think seeing the crowd is really exciting and I didn’t expect to see this many people,” said Nanette Harjo to Native News Online. “I’m really proud of my son, and this amazing show gets another season for our Indigenous writers and directors.”
It’s been one heck of a ride and everyone is supporting the show in Tulsa. We feel like we have the whole community behind us.”
Reservation Dogs is the first television show to be filmed entirely in Oklahoma and the first to feature all Indigenous writers and directors. All of the show’s main characters are Indigenous. In its first two seasons, the show has been recognized by critics and award programs for outstanding achievements including a Peabody Award, two Independent Spirit Awards, and nominations for the Critics’ Choice Television Awards and the Golden Globes.
The production said that they needed multiple positions filled from children at least 8 years old to adults.
More Stories Like This
Here's What's Going On in Indian Country July 26 - July 28Teton Ridge Appoints “Yellowstone” Star Mo Brings Plenty as American Indian Cultural Affairs Director
76th Annual Navajo Nation Fair set for Sept. 4-8, in Window Rock ‘Honoring Heritage: Celebrating Harvest, Livelihood & Kinship’
Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM) Call to Artists
OsiyoTV Earns a Record Seven Emmy Awards
Join us in observing 100 years of Native American citizenship. On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting Native Americans US citizenship, a pivotal moment in their quest for equality. This year marks its centennial, inspiring our special project, "Heritage Unbound: Native American Citizenship at 100," observing their journey with stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive.