Talent Directors

What the job really is

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

At a glance

• Sector: Arts, Design & Media
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-2012
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Direct shows, productions, and plays.
• Audition and interview performers to match their attributes to specific roles or to increase the pool of available acting talent.
• Prepare actors for auditions by providing scripts and information about roles and casting requirements.
• Select performers for roles or submit lists of suitable performers to producers or directors for final selection.
• Contact agents and actors to provide notification of audition and performance opportunities and to set up audition times.
• Serve as liaisons between directors, actors, and agents.
• Negotiate contract agreements with performers, with agents, or between performers and agents or production companies.
• Arrange for or design screen tests or auditions for prospective performers.
• Review performer information, such as photos, resumes, voice tapes, videos, and union membership, to decide whom to audition for parts.
• Maintain talent files that include information such as performers' specialties, past performances, and availability.
• Read scripts and confer with producers to determine the types and numbers of performers required for a given production.
• Attend or view productions to maintain knowledge of available actors.

Tools and technology

Amazon Web Services AWS software, Linux, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Oracle Java, SAP software, UNIX, AgencyPro, Appointment scheduling software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
• Producers and Directors
• Music Directors and Composers
• Media Programming Directors
• Choreographers
• Writers and Authors
• Musicians and Singers
• Public Relations Specialists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Talent Directors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.