A cattle call is an open audition for actors. A casting director, or theatre company or other group may be looking to fill an acting role or multiple acting roles. So, the casting director may issue a cattle call, a notice that encourages many actors to come in an audition for roles in

the production.
    Unlike a casting audition, in a cattle call, the casting director may not be looking for actors who meet certain physical requirements. In fact, the casting director may not have a solid idea what they may be looking for, which makes a cattle call extremely helpful.