The Standard is a short film about Christopher, a bright and outspoken Black student at an elite private high school who finds himself increasingly frustrated by the institution’s expectations of how he should present himself. After repeatedly clashing with his teacher, Mr. Pope, over the school’s strict standards surrounding appearance and behavior, Christopher decides that he needs to take action. But when his attempt to challenge the school’s policies goes too far, Christopher is forced to confront the consequences of rebellion and the complex reality of fighting a system designed to constrain him.

The film explores: identity, conformity, generational differences, institutional expectations, and the complicated ways people respond to injustice.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Although the characters are high-school students, we are specifically seeking young adults/college-aged performers rather than actual high-school-aged actors. We are looking for performers who can bring emotional depth and authenticity to the characters and are comfortable portraying teenagers.

Principal Roles:

Christoper Jackson
Male, young adult/college-aged, Black

Christopher is a bright, creative, outspoken student who is constantly questioning the rules and expectations placed on him. He is passionate about his identity and frustrated by what he sees as hypocrisy within his school. Christopher is intelligent and charismatic, but his confidence can cross into impulsiveness. He genuinely wants to challenge unfairness, but his determination to make a statement ultimately leads him to make choices he isn’t fully prepared to face the consequences of.

Special requirements: Actor must be comfortable wearing braids at the beginning of the film and transitioning to natural hair later in the story. Hair may become intentionally messy/disheveled during filming. Actor should be comfortable with the production styling their hair for continuity.

Mr. Pope
Male, 40s–60s, Black

Mr. Pope is Christopher’s teacher and a commanding presence in the school. A strict believer in professionalism, discipline, and preparation, he expects his students to understand that the standards they face in school may follow them into the professional world. Although Christopher sees Mr. Pope as someone enforcing the very system he wants to challenge, Mr. Pope genuinely cares about him and recognizes his potential. His relationship with Christopher is complicated by the fact that he understands both sides of the conflict.

Saavedra
Female, young adult/college-aged, Black

Saavedra is Christopher’s friend and one of the few people willing to challenge him directly. She understands his frustration but becomes increasingly impatient with Christopher’s tendency to complain without taking meaningful action. Practical, intelligent, and outspoken, Saavedra serves as an important counterpoint to Christopher’s impulsiveness.

Jacob
Male, young adult/college-aged, minority/non-white

Jacob is Christopher and Saavedra’s friend. More laid-back than Christopher, Jacob often acts as a sounding board for the group. He is willing to entertain Christopher’s ideas but isn’t necessarily the driving force behind them.

Principal Mann
Male, 40s–60s, White

Principal Mann is the authority figure at the school. Polished, controlled, and intimidating, he approaches Christopher’s actions as a threat to the institution rather than simply a student’s mistake. He projects authority without relying on exaggerated villainy. Principal Mann’s face is not seen on camera. The performance will primarily be communicated through his body language, voice, and physical presence.

Supporting Student Roles:
Young adult/college-aged

We are seeking a diverse group of young adult performers to portray Christopher’s classmates and participate in classroom, library, hallway, and student demonstration scenes. Some students will have featured moments and/or lines, while others will appear as part of the larger student body.

Campus Resource Officers
Two males/females, young adult to middle-aged

Two campus resource officers accompany Principal Mann during the final sequence. These are primarily physical/supporting roles with limited dialogue.

Production Information:

Tentative Production Dates: November 6–8 & November 13–15, 2026
(Dates are tentative and subject to change.)

Location: Philadelphia and Greater Philadelphia Area

Union Status: Non-Union / Student Film

Compensation: Select roles will be paid. Compensation will be discussed during auditions/callbacks. Meals and transportation will be provided for performers while working on set.

How to Submit:

Please submit the following materials:

– Headshot
– Resume
– Reel, if available
– Self-tape/audition
– Any additional materials you feel represent your work

Please include the role you are submitting for in the subject line.

Submission Deadline: October 23, 2026