Head of Casting

Job Summary The Head of Casting is a key player in The Old Vic’s artistic team, working with the Artistic Director and visiting Directors to cast productions, actively cultivate talent, and champion emerging artists. Job Description Casting The Old Vic productions to a standard of excellence, including any transfers. Support the Casting Assistant with casting of understudies and children. Oversee the Casting Assistant with casting of studio projects and workshops. Initiating strategic casting discussions with agents, actors and sector advocacy organisations. Alongside the artistic team helping to…

Job Summary

The Head of Casting is a key player in The Old Vic’s artistic team, working with the Artistic Director and visiting Directors to cast productions, actively cultivate talent, and champion emerging artists.

Job Description

Casting The Old Vic productions to a standard of excellence, including any transfers. Support the Casting Assistant with casting of understudies and children. Oversee the Casting Assistant with casting of studio projects and workshops. Initiating strategic casting discussions with agents, actors and sector advocacy organisations. Alongside the artistic team helping to shape strategy and identity for The Old Vic’s work. Produce casting breakdowns and distributing as required to cast roles. Review CVs, head shots and show reels and produce a shortlist of relevant performers for consideration for each role, including understudies. Upon the Artistic Director’s or individual show director’s confirmation of preferred performers for these roles, approach them or their agents to determine their availability for auditions/readings. Alongside the Artistic Director, Producer and General Manager liaise and consult with any Casting Director appointed in the US to cast any American actors on Old Vic productions either transferred to the US or originating in the US. Building relationships with directors engaged by The Old Vic, working with them to discuss projects, creating character breakdowns, providing role actor lists, undertake availability checks, arrange and conduct auditions, meetings and discussions regarding casting. Maintaining an excellent knowledge of and building relationships with actors, agents and directors across London, the UK and internationally. Regularly attending theatre productions and keeping up professional networking and relationships, identifying trends and industry developments. Identify emerging and potential talent through attending drama school showcases, talent agency relationships, and industry events (budget provided). Keep the casting and identity of The Old Vic’s work relevant to the world and developments we operate within.

Job Requirements

A minimum of five years’ proven experience leading casting in a range of mid-to-large scale theatres Strong current relationships with leading directors Excellent relationships with actors’ agents in the UK Good knowledge of the dramatic canon Proactive and confident, with the ability to cultivate new relationships with established and emerging talent Diplomatic, discreet and professional Knowledge and experience of union agreements, including British and American Equity Enthusiasm for the work of The Old Vic Good commercial instincts and awareness of which actors will attract audiences

Job Responsibilities

Key involvement in programming, including proposing projects suitable for leading actors, advising on actor availability when planning the year, reading scripts and advising on potential opportunities and challenges for proposed projects. Liaising with Producing on the budget implications of casting decisions and managing any relevant budget lines. Actively cultivating leading talent over the long term, working closely with actors and their agents to bring artists closer to The Old Vic and developing strong relationships. Attend workshops, readings and presentations and contribute to the development of projects in the early stages. Management and Leadership Managing and providing mentoring to the Casting Assistant. Representing the voice of actors and casting considerations on a strategic level in The Old Vic’s strategic and operational planning.