Head of Casting in London

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.
• Initiate strategic casting discussions with agents, actors and sector advocacy organisations.
• Help shape strategy and identity for The Old Vic's work.
• Produce casting breakdowns and distribute them as required to cast roles.
• Review CVs, headshots and show reels to produce a shortlist of relevant performers for each role, including understudies.
• Upon confirmation of preferred performers, approach them or their agents to determine availability for auditions/readings.
• Liaise and consult with any Casting Director appointed in the US to cast American actors on Old Vic productions either transferred to the US or originating in the US.
• Build relationships with directors engaged by The Old Vic, work with them to discuss projects, create character breakdowns, provide role actor lists, undertake availability checks, arrange and conduct auditions, meetings and discussions regarding casting.
• Maintain excellent knowledge of and build relationships with actors, agents and directors across London, the UK and internationally.
• Regularly attend theatre productions and keep up professional networking, 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 Old Vic's casting and identity relevant to the world and the developments we operate within.

Job Requirements

• A minimum of five years' proven experience leading casting in 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.
• Liaise with producers on the budget implications of casting decisions and manage any relevant budget lines.
• Actively cultivate 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.
• Manage and provide mentoring to the Casting Assistant.
• Represent the voice of actors and casting considerations on a strategic level in The Old Vic's strategic and operational planning.