You listen
You respond to the conversation happening, not just the point you arrived wanting to make.
Sidebar casting call
Bring your voice to the table.
We are building a small pool of occasional contributors who can join Sidebar when a panelist is away, a conversation needs another perspective, or the right topic comes along.
Start your applicationThe role
A good conversation needs more than agreement.
We are not casting legal analysts or looking for polished television résumés. We are looking for people who listen, think, respond, and make a live conversation better.
You may be invited when a regular panelist is unavailable or when your experience and point of view fit a particular discussion. Invitations may sometimes come on short notice. You are always free to decline.
What matters
The signals we care about
You disagree well
You can challenge an argument without making the panel unpleasant to watch.
You are reliable
You follow instructions, communicate clearly, and show up prepared when you say you will.
You sound like yourself
No television voice required. Curiosity, humor, perspective, and honest reactions are welcome.
Your audition
One take. Your real setup. Two to four minutes.
Upload the video to your own YouTube channel as Unlisted, then paste the link into the application.
- 30–45 secondsIntroduce yourself
Tell us who you are and why you would like to occasionally join Sidebar.
- About 90 secondsTake the floor
Choose a court case, legal issue, hearing, or courtroom topic you find interesting. Talk about it as though you are already on the panel.
- 30–60 secondsMake the case
Convince us that something completely trivial is actually extremely important.
Do not overproduce it.
Use the camera, microphone, lighting, internet connection, and location you would normally use for Sidebar. Record in landscape. A single take is preferred. We are evaluating how you communicate, not how you edit.
What happens next
A conversation, not a cattle call.
- 01We review every complete application.
The written answers and audition help us find people whose voices could work at the Sidebar table.
- 02Finalists join a private test conversation.
A small group will be invited to a 15–20 minute Restream session with other applicants.
- 03Selected contributors enter the invitation pool.
Being selected means we may invite you to future shows. It does not promise a minimum number of appearances.
Application
Tell us what you bring to Sidebar.
Set aside about 15 minutes for the written portion. Record and upload your audition before you begin so the YouTube link is ready.
Have these ready
- Your general availability
- A description of your normal setup
- Your unlisted YouTube audition link
The fine print, in plain English
Your application and contact information stay private and are used only to evaluate and administer Sidebar casting. TCF does not take ownership of your audition video. Submission does not guarantee an interview, selection, invitation, or appearance. If selected, scheduling and appearance details will be agreed separately.
Read the TCF Hub Privacy Policy