This role serves as Arena's Casting Director for all mainstage productions, readings, and workshops, and also acts as deputy to the Associate Artistic Director, supporting the season planning process. The Casting Director/Artistic Producer brings organizational structure and artistic support to the day-to-day producing of Arena’s Associate Artistic Director. They own the casting process and work in close partnership with various departments, playing a meaningful role in Arena’s artistic identity, operations, and future.
Responsibilities
Lead, coordinate, and manage the casting process for mainstage productions, developmental workshops, readings, and special artistic projects throughout the season
Collaborate with artistic leadership, directors, playwrights, and creative teams to identify artists who support the artistic vision and needs of each production
Oversee all aspects of auditions, callbacks, work sessions, and self-tape submissions, including scheduling, communication, audition materials, and coordination with creative teams
Develop character breakdowns, audition sides, and casting materials in collaboration with directors and playwrights
Maintain relationships with talent agencies, managers, casting offices, and independent artists
Advocate for inclusive and accessible casting practices that reflect the communities and stories represented onstage
Collaborate with general management, company management, and other departments to coordinate artist onboarding, travel, housing, and scheduling needs
Support the artistic producing process for mainstage productions, developmental workshops, readings, and other artistic initiatives
Collaborate with playwrights, directors, dramaturgs, and artistic leadership to identify the developmental needs and priorities of new theatrical work
Participate in season planning conversations, providing insight into casting feasibility, artist availability, creative team needs, and production logistics
Serve as an artistic resource to directors and playwrights throughout rehearsals and the development process
Support special artistic projects, institutional partnerships, and programming initiatives as needed
Develop, track, and manage casting-related budgets for productions, workshops, and special projects
Monitor artist compensation, casting expenses, and other associated costs in collaboration with artistic leadership and general management
Coordinate audition spaces, personnel, readers, accompanists, and other resources required for casting activities
Requirements
An experienced theatre professional with a strong understanding of the casting process, artistic producing, new work development, and theatrical union agreements, including Actors' Equity Association and LORT contracts
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A creative thinker with strong artistic instincts, an eye for talent, and the ability to collaborate with directors, playwrights, and artistic leadership to bring creative visions to life
A skilled administrator with experience managing casting budgets, coordinating auditions, and overseeing complex artistic schedules and processes
A proactive collaborator with excellent organizational skills, clear communication, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
A relationship builder who values artist care and maintains meaningful connections with actors, agents, managers, casting professionals, and creative teams locally and nationally
A champion of new American work who believes artistic excellence, access, inclusivity, and collaboration are essential to the creative process
A problem-solver who can navigate the evolving needs of artists and productions while balancing artistic ambitions with institutional resources
Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by production and institutional needs
About the Company
Arena Stage is the voice of American theater resident in the nation's capital, focused on American artists with innovative productions that represent stories from across the country. They nurture new plays, reimagine classics, and celebrate democracy and diversity through a multitude of voices in their productions and community engagement programs.