Talent Directors: Career & Application Guide

What do talent directors do?

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

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

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.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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