CHICAGO TALENT DIRECTORY®
© 2026 Chicago Talent Directory®. All rights reserved.
Chicago Talent Directory® is a publication of Chicago Talent Enterprises Inc.
Chicago Talent Directory® is a federally registered trademark owned by Nanci T. Ponne'
Published by Nanci T. Ponné, Founder / Publisher.
ROADMAP FAQ
Last Updated: July 2026
This FAQ explains the current Chicago Talent Directory® roadmap, including the first planned talent profile phase,
the marketplace phase that follows, and later planned phases for auditions, events, and expanded professional tools.
For general questions about the purpose, history, audience,
and policies of Chicago Talent Directory®, please see the General FAQ.
Roadmap
OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE ILLINOIS FILM OFFICE -- 1991
FAQ
Why are there no dates?
Chicago Talent Directory® is being developed in phases so each area can become useful before the next is added. Priorities may evolve as development continues and industry needs are evaluated.
FOUNDATION WORK FAQ
What does Foundation Work mean?
Foundation Work includes industry research, archive preservation, historical documentation, planning, technology evaluation, and development occurring behind the scenes before public features are launched.
Why spend so much time on planning?
The goal is to build Chicago Talent Directory® carefully and sustainably while preserving its history and ensuring future features are useful to the industry.
REINTRODUCING CHICAGO TALENT DIRECTORY® FAQ
Why begin with history and information instead of talent profiles?
Chicago Talent Directory® has a long history within the Chicago and Illinois entertainment community. Reintroducing that history and purpose establishes context and credibility before larger features are launched.
Is Chicago Talent Directory® active now?
Yes. Development is ongoing, and information, resources, and updates will continue to be added as the project progresses.
VERIFIED PROFILES FAQ
Will talent profiles be free?
ALL TALENT PROFILES ARE FREE.
Will paid profiles receive better placement?
NO. THERE ARE NO PAID PROFILE LEVELS, AND PRIORITY POSITIONING IS NOT FOR SALE.
Chicago Talent Directory® is committed to visibility based on fit, qualifications, location, and search criteria rather than who spends the most money. All talent profiles are intended to be location-verified and free.
Will all submitted talent profiles be accepted?
Talent profiles will be reviewed for basic professional readiness and location verification. Chicago Talent Directory® may require a professional headshot (or logo, when applicable), resume, credits, training, work samples, or other information that helps confirm the person’s professional category and connection to the Chicago and Illinois talent community.
How will location be verified?
Chicago Talent Directory® may use reasonable location-verification methods before activating talent profiles. One method under consideration is mailing a verification code to the address provided by the talent. The talent would then enter that code to confirm that they can receive mail at that Chicago or Illinois-area address.
Can talent advertise?
Yes. Talent, like other businesses and professionals, may have opportunities to purchase advertising. Advertising is separate from talent profiles and does NOT affect profile eligibility, placement, search results, or access to Chicago Talent Directory® profile features.
A limited number of advertising placements may be available alongside talent profiles during this early phase.
Why are talent profiles planned first?
Talent profiles are the core public-facing feature of Chicago Talent Directory®. Starting with a free, location-driven profile system lets the site begin serving Chicago and Illinois talent directly and exclusively, while building the foundation for the marketplace, auditions, events, education, and casting tools that follow.
Will the first version of talent profiles include all planned features?
No. The first version is expected to be a simple submission form and basic searchable profile — not the full-featured system. Additional fields, media options, and search refinements are planned to be added over time.
TALENT-RELATED BUSINESSES & PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FAQ
What businesses and services may be included?
Examples may include photographers, coaches, schools, makeup artists, demo-production services, talent-marketing resources, and other businesses that support performers and entertainment professionals.
Will casting directors and agencies be included?
Yes. Casting directors, casting offices, talent agencies, modeling agencies, and voiceover agencies are planned as part of this phase.
What does "verified" mean?
Chicago Talent Directory® may conduct reasonable verification and review of listings, advertisers, and professional accounts. Verification does not constitute endorsement or guarantee.
How are advertisers reviewed?
Advertisers may be subject to location verification and a reasonable review process before acceptance to maintain the quality and relevance of Chicago Talent Directory® resources.
Will marketplace businesses be location-verified?
Yes. Talent-related businesses, professional services, advertisers, and marketplace participants may be subject to location verification before being listed or promoted by Chicago Talent Directory®. The Chicago Talent Directory® marketplace is intended to support Chicago and Illinois talent, casting, and production communities. Exceptions may be considered for services that are necessarily remote, digital, or internet-based.
AUDITIONS, EVENTS, & INDUSTRY RESOURCES FAQ
Does Chicago Talent Directory® produce auditions or casting notices?
No. Chicago Talent Directory® serves as a directory and information resource. It provides a place for organizations and industry professionals to share auditions, casting notices, events, and opportunities with Chicago and Illinois talent, film, theatre, and media production communities.
Chicago Talent Directory® may also produce its own seminars, workshops, panels, profile-development events, and professional-development programs.
Will auditions be searchable?
Search and filtering tools are planned to help users locate opportunities more efficiently.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FAQ
Will Chicago Talent Directory® offer seminars again?
Professional-development seminars, workshops, panels, profile workshops, and educational events are under consideration as future additions.
What is the Talent Profile Launch Event?
One concept being explored is a major profile-launch event where talent can create profiles, receive guidance from industry professionals, and learn how to improve their professional presentation and visibility.
Why include educational content?
Professional success often depends on understanding both performance and business. Education has historically been part of the Chicago Talent Directory® mission.
CASTING & PRODUCTION TOOLS FAQ
Who will have access to professional tools?
Certain features may be limited to verified casting professionals, producers, agencies, and other qualified industry users.
How will professional users be verified?
Verification methods may evolve but could include professional affiliation, business information, industry credits, direct contact, or other reasonable review methods.
#ONSETCHICAGO • #ONSETILLINOIS FAQ
What are #OnSetChicago and #OnSetIllinois?
#OnSetChicago and #OnSetIllinois are planned future editorial initiatives highlighting the people, projects, accomplishments, and activity within Chicago and Illinois talent, film, theatre, and media production. For now, to stay up to date on all talent and industry related news and Chicago Talent Directory® updates, visit our Facebook page.
Are these replacing the Chicago Talent Spotlight Magazine?
Future editorial publishing may evolve under new brands and formats while continuing Chicago Talent Directory®'s long tradition of industry coverage, professional-development content, interviews, and community reporting. At this time, we do expect #OnSetChicago and #OnSetIllinois to replace Spotlight Magazine.
Will historic Chicago Talent Directory® 'Spotlight' magazine features return?
Potential future editorial content may include modern digital versions of historic Chicago Talent Directory® 'Spotlight' departments such as Curtain Call, SRO, InFocus, interviews, industry coverage, achievement announcements, and community updates.
DISCOVER resources. EVALUATE options. CONNECT with the right professional pathways.
For the Illinois talent, film, theatre, and media production community.