Film producers have raided local drama schools to no avail.

A "huge search" is under way for a trio of teens to play bullies in the football movie "The Express," beginning filming this month in Chicago

Directed by Gary Fleder, the drama stars Rob Brown as Ernie Davis, the first black Heisman Trophy winner, whose NFL career was cut short by leukemia. Dennis Quaid stars as his Syracuse University coach.

Producers are especially eager to cast the chief bully, a TP&R Casting spokeswoman said. "Think Kiefer Sutherland in `Stand by Me' (1986) -- a scrappy, bully type," she said. "They really need to be tough."

The ringleader and his two minions should be white, ages 14 to 16, and stand between 5-foot-2 and 5-foot-9. The roles call for them to harass the young Davis, collecting bottles to redeem for cash, in a racially charged scene set in Pennsylvania in 1949. The altercation sets the stage for the prejudice the future college star will face.

Actin experience is welcome but not required. To schedule an appointment, call Jessica or Melissa at TP&R Casting at (312) 527-0665.

On a related note, producers also are seeking a "real marching band" of 12 white college-age males to appear in the film. Call EXTRAOrdinary Casting at (312) 656-6482 or mail photos and details to the agency at 3047 N. Lincoln Ave., Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60657. Bring your own instruments, uniforms will be provided.

Quote of the month

"It's a real pea-souper. Our national weather!"

-- London actor Simon Pegg ("Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz") after a recent stroll down the Mag Mile .

Local band alert.

Leading members of Chicago's rock community are hosting a free touring workshop on April 16.

Moderated by Paul Natkin (Chicago Music Commission), the panel includes Ken Waagner (webmaster for Wilco); Susan Voelz (violinist for Poi Dog Pondering and author of "The Musician's Guide to the Road: A Survival Handbook & All-Access Backstage Pass to Touring"), and Paul Wargask (bassman for Tangleweed).

Topics up for discussion: How to plan out-of-town gigs; arranging the tour; preparing a band for the road; what to bring on tour; promoting shows; coordinating with other acts on tour; fighting off groupies (just kidding); and the do's and don'ts of club/crew/staff relationships.

"The ABC's of Touring and Playing Out-of-Town Shows" will run from 6-7:30 p.m. April 16 at the Claudia Cassidy Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. For more information, call (312) 744.6630 or visit www.chicagoculturalcenter.org or www.chicago-music.org.

GRAPEVINE

Michael York stars in "Camelot" May 1-13 at the LaSalle Bank Theatre ... Yes, that was Taylor Hicks hanging with Buddy Guy and Keb' Mo' at Legends after his House of Blues show ....There is one month left to see "Body Worlds 2" at the Museum of Science and Industry ... Norah Jones has sold out her May 8 show at the Chicago Theatre .... Gwen Stefani is booked for a June 8 concert at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.