How to Get Auditions in Cuba

Casting directors

There are few accredited casting directors: in Cuban television, casting is usually done by assistants or by the director.

Libia Batista Mora

She started at the ICAIC in the 1980s and does casting for Cuban film and foreign productions; in 2020 she joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the Oscars academy) as a casting director. She has said that she builds her database by following graduations and theater plays (OnCuba).

Where to study acting in Cuba

Training is an actor’s main showcase in Cuba: many searches start in the schools and in the theater. If you’re just starting out, besides training you will need experience and materials to present yourself: we explain it in the guide to becoming an actor from scratch.

ISA, Universidad de las Artes

It offers the Licenciatura en Arte Teatral (bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts) with an Acting profile. The exam measures rhythm, coordination, voice, diction, musicality and expressiveness, and you have to bring a memorized text and a song. For foreign students, the latest published call asked for applicants up to 25 years old and cost USD 3,000 per year.

ENA (Escuela Nacional de Arte, Cubanacán)

A secondary-level arts school founded in 1962, with admission through an aptitude test depending on the specialty (EcuRed).

EICTV (workshops for actors)

The film school has no acting major, but it offers paid international workshops open to actors, such as one on acting and film language (October 2026, €2,100) and another on Meisner and Mamet techniques (February 2027).

Institutions, awards and festivals

Following the ICAIC and the festivals helps you find out what is being filmed on the island.

ICAIC (Cubacine)

The state film institute (Instituto Cubano del Arte e Industria Cinematográficos), which co-produces feature films and in October 2026 opened the eighth call of the Fondo de Fomento del Cine Cubano (Cuban Film Development Fund). It also posts its news on Telegram.

Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano de La Habana

Its 47th edition runs from December 3 to 13, 2026, and it gives out acting awards, among others.

Premio de Actuación Adolfo Llauradó (AHS)

The Asociación Hermanos Saíz (AHS, an association for young Cuban artists) honors actresses and actors up to age 35 who live in Cuba every year, in theater, TV dramas and fiction film (Prensa Latina).

Websites and social accounts that post castings in Cuba

In Cuba there are hardly any websites that post castings. If you live abroad or plan to work in another country, these guides will help:

• Castings on Casting and Acting: castings and auditions posted on the site, with a country filter.
• How to Get Auditions in the United States: if you live in Miami or are thinking about the Spanish-language market in the U.S.
• How to Get Auditions in Spain: if you live in Spain or plan to work there.

How to prepare for a casting in Cuba

When a call comes up, the winner is whoever answers fast and with complete audition materials. Have this ready before you write to any agency:

• Acting resume on one page, with your details, measurements, training and experience. Guide: how to make an acting resume.
• Headshots with current photos of your face, profile and full body. You can put them together at home: how to take headshots at home.
• Reel with your best scenes or, if you don’t have any work yet, a one-minute intro video. Guide: how to make an acting reel.
• Self-tape for remote castings: front lighting, a plain background and good audio. More details in what is a self-tape.

Watch out for fake castings

Reputable agencies and production companies in Cuba charge the people who hire them, not the actors: joining their database or going to a casting has to be free. Be wary if they ask you for money, intimate photos or to go alone, especially if you’re a minor. We explain how to recognize them in how to spot a fake casting call.

Since there are few public calls, be wary of anyone who offers you a role in exchange for money or your personal data, especially over social media or messaging.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get castings in Cuba?

With representation from a state agency such as ACTUAR or RTV Comercial, which offer casting to production companies and channels, and by doing theater and training: casting director Libia Batista says she builds her database by following graduations and plays. Also follow the ICAIC and the co-productions that shoot on the island.

Can a private individual run castings in Cuba?

The official 2024 list allows the private activity of casting agent (selección de elenco), but to work as an artist for commercial purposes you need state representation, except for registered independent audiovisual creators under Decree-Law 373.

Where can I study acting in Cuba?

In the Licenciatura en Arte Teatral at the ISA, with an acting test, and at the ENA, which is secondary level. The EICTV has no acting major, but it offers paid workshops open to actors.

How do I record a self-tape if my connection is poor?

Record it ahead of time, review it offline and upload it when you have data or wifi: since 2025, mobile data top-ups in pesos have a monthly cap. We explain how to do it well in what is a self-tape.

Are there awards for young actors in Cuba?

Yes: the Adolfo Llauradó Acting Award, from the Asociación Hermanos Saíz, honors actresses and actors up to age 35 in theater, television and film every year.

List reviewed in October 2026. Contacts change: if an agency has stopped operating or you know one that is missing, let us know. For other countries, see the Latin America Casting Directory.