The Abbey Theatre is currently in search of an experienced Casting Director. The primary responsibility of the Casting Director will be to oversee the casting process for all Abbey Theatre productions, as well as public and private readings and workshops.

The position requires actively seeking out new and emerging talent while maintaining relationships with established actors. The Casting Director will report directly to the Artistic Director and the Head of Producing, working within the Producing Department.

Key responsibilities for the role include casting Abbey Theatre productions and co-productions, collaborating with directors, producers, and actors or their agents to assemble the best possible cast for each show. The Casting Director serves as a vital point of contact between the acting community and the Abbey Theatre. They are also responsible for casting Literary and New Work Initiatives, as well as organising and facilitating auditions and maintaining the Casting Department’s database and files.

Salary budgets for each production must be adhered to, and the Casting Director negotiates cast salaries and contracts within the Abbey Theatre’s agreed pay scales. They manage the engagement process from offer through to contract stage, attending productions in other theatres and, when feasible, those out of town and abroad. The Casting Director keeps abreast of emerging talent in theatre schools in Ireland and the UK.

Maintaining positive working relationships with actors, their agents, freelance directors, Irish Actors’ Equity, and other casting professionals, both domestically and internationally, is crucial to the role.

The ideal candidate for the Casting Director position will have a passion for theatre and the arts, along with a deep understanding of the casting process. They must possess strong organisational and administrative skills, demonstrating proactivity, creativity, intuition, and attention to detail. Experience in managing an Assistant or Associate is desirable, as well as proficiency in computer skills. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills are essential, alongside project planning and management abilities. The ability to handle creative language and develop and maintain creative relationships is highly valued.

Candidates should have a proven track record of working with discretion and confidentiality and excel in building interpersonal relationships with various stakeholders. Experience in contract design, budgeting, negotiations, and financial management is important, as is knowledge of industry contracts and pay scales across different media. The ability to work under pressure, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet strict deadlines is crucial. The role requires adaptability to new ways of working, including online pivoting if necessary.

See link below for further details.