DESI SNL
Desi SNL is returning in 2026, and after a sold-out debut show in November, we're looking to build our cast with talented actors who can bring sketch comedy to life. If you've ever wanted to perform live sketch comedy that celebrates our community with bold humor and heart, we'd love to meet you.
🗓 KEY DATES
Tell us about yourself - your acting experience, cast preference, and availability.
We will email the batch of applicants we want to request tapes from.
Details will be emailed.
Virtual callbacks for selected actors.
We'll send an email to all applicants with decisions and next steps.
Virtual and in person in NYC.
Live in person in NYC.
🎭 WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're looking to get to know you in your application. Some information that'll help us decide whether we want to invite you to audition includes:
- Acting experience: if your resume shows a strong acting background
- Portfolio strength: if your portfolio is full of self-created content that shows promise
- Community building: if you create content that already resonates with Desi audiences
- Show fit: if you are available on the days we rehearse and perform, plus we have a need for the persona you are most aligned to
The Desi SNL cast after our debut show, November 2025. (📸 Nader Farzan)
🎪 WHAT TO EXPECT AS CAST MEMBER
Being part of the Desi SNL cast means:
- Rehearsals: Rehearsals in Manhattan - schedule will be released by the time we invite you to audition.
- Sketch development: Working closely with writers to develop and refine sketches.
- Multiple roles: Playing various characters across different sketches in each show and being understudy for others.
- Collaboration: Being open to direction, improvisation, and ensemble work.
- Live performance: Performing four shows in front of a live audience at The Wild Project in April.
- Compensation: Cast members receive a portion of the profits from each show. Specifics will be shared during the onboarding process.
This is a collaborative, ensemble-driven show. We're looking for team players who can take direction, support their fellow performers, and bring creative ideas to rehearsal.
🌱 OUR PERFORMANCE VALUES
Our cast embodies a few guiding principles:
- Commitment to the bit, no matter how absurd
- Generosity on stage—supporting scene partners and ensemble work
- Flexibility and willingness to try new things in rehearsal
- Authenticity in bringing characters to life
- Cultural sensitivity when portraying South Asian characters and stories
We value actors who understand that sketch comedy is about the ensemble, not individual stardom.
✨ WHO SHOULD AUDITION
Anyone with a passion for sketch comedy, character work, and South Asian storytelling. You don't need professional acting experience—just energy, creativity, and a willingness to take creative risks on stage. We especially encourage:
- Actors of all experience levels (from theater veterans to first-time performers)
- People with improv, stand-up, or sketch comedy backgrounds
- Character actors who love transformation
- Performers who want to be part of building something new
📬 HOW TO SUBMIT
Fill out this form with your porftolio link, headshot, and resume.
🧡 JOIN US
Desi SNL is building a creative home for performers who want to tell stories that matter while making people laugh. If you've ever watched sketch comedy and thought, "I want to do that," we can't wait to see what you bring to the stage.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No! While experience in theater, improv, or sketch is helpful, we're looking for talented performers with strong instincts, good timing, and a willingness to learn. Your personality and commitment matter more than your resume.
Absolutely! A simple, clear photo where we can see your face is all we need. Phone photos are completely fine.
Yes. Our sketches are built entirely around South Asian characters and we'd love to showcase Desi talent from NYC on our stage.
You'll join our ensemble cast for the 2026 show season in April. This includes attending weekly rehearsals, working with writers and directors to develop sketches, and performing in our April show. Specific rehearsal schedules and show dates will be shared once the cast is finalized.
Our cast operates on profit sharing from ticket sales. Cast members receive a portion of the profits from each show. Specifics will be shared during the onboarding process.
Rehearsals and performances are held in New York City, probably in Manhattan. You should be available for in-person rehearsals and shows. Specific venue and rehearsal space details will be shared with cast members.
You can apply and submit a self-tape from anywhere, but if you're called back or cast, you'll need to be able to attend in-person rehearsals and performances in NYC. Please only apply if you can commit to being physically present.
No! Auditions are completely free. We want to make this accessible to all talented performers.
Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. Solid colors work well on camera. The focus should be on your performance, not your outfit.
We'll provide selected actors a script to read in the self-tape and during the audition.