Casting Director

ABOUT SIGNATURE THEATRE

Founded in 1989, Signature Theatre is a Tony Award®-winning regional theater that broadens and brightens the region’s cultural landscape with its bold productions of challenging new and established works and engaging education and outreach programs. Today, attracting talent from the DC metropolitan region and New York, Signature has grown to reach more than 100,000 people annually from the Washington, DC region and beyond.

SUMMARY

The Casting Director/Artistic Associate plays a pivotal role in bringing Signature Theatre's productions to life by scouting and recruiting exceptional talent. Serving as the key liaison between creative teams and actors (or their representation), this position ensures the casting process aligns with the artistic vision and standards of the Theatre.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Talent Scouting and Casting

• Collaborate with directors, choreographers, and music directors to generate comprehensive casting lists for mainstage productions, workshops, readings, and cabarets.
• Schedule and oversee Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs), Equity Chorus Calls (ECCs), and non-equity open calls in Washington, DC, and New York City.
• Conduct show-specific initial auditions and callbacks, reviewing audition tapes as needed.
• Partner with NYC casting directors to schedule auditions, arrange travel, prepare breakdowns/sides, and secure audition spaces.

Administrative Duties

• Prepare, negotiate, and finalize actor agreements while maintaining strict adherence to budgets and union requirements (AEA and others).
• Coordinate with the Associate General Manager to ensure contracts and actor details are processed before rehearsals begin.
• Manage payment for audition consultants, including readers, accompanists, and NYC casting directors.
• Maintain Signature Theatre's internal digital casting database to ensure up-to-date records.

Relationship Building

• Build and foster relationships with emerging and established talent by attending regional productions and semi-professional performances in DC and NYC.
• Act as the primary point of contact for actors during the offer and confirmation process.
• Teach workshops for Signature Theatre’s education programs to nurture the next generation of talent.

Artistic Operations

• Assist in season planning and artistic event coordination, working closely with the Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director.
• Support the Director of Artistic Development by evaluating and tracking script submissions.
• Coordinate artist communications regarding repertoire and logistics for artistic events, including annual gala and community events.
• Host talkbacks and facilitate artistic events as needed.
• Actively contribute to Signature Theatre’s commitment to being an anti-racist organization through collaborative efforts across departments.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Artistic Director.

DIRECT REPORTS AND OTHER REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This role reports to Signature’s Artistic Director. The Casting Director works closely with the Artistic, Production Management, and General Management teams. The role is also expected to keep other departments including the Marketing and Production teams updated on where casting stands on specific productions. Also oversees the Executive Assistant in terms of assistance in casting needs.

LOCATION AND HOURS

• This role is based on-site at Signature Theatre’s facilities in Arlington, VA, with occasional telework opportunities.
• Travel to New York City for casting calls and other talent-related events is required.
• The Theatre’s administrative hours are 10am-6pm. Evening and weekend availability is expected, depending on production schedules.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a strong ability to communicate effectively.
• Proven experience in theatre casting and leading casting calls, with a preference for familiarity with the DC theatre community and talent pool.
• A keen eye for talent and a deep understanding of acting techniques and the casting process.
• Expertise in negotiating contracts and understanding budgets.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple details and deadlines.
• Awareness of industry trends and emerging talent.

TO APPLY

For consideration, please forward a resume and cover letter to jobs@sigtheatre.org. Please include the phrase “Casting Director” in your subject line. No mail or phone submissions, please.

Signature Theatre is committed to the professional development of all employees, and we encourage any interested individuals, internal and external, to apply even if you don’t believe that you satisfy all of the preferred qualifications.

Signature Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer who celebrates diversity and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Signature Theatre is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.