Casting Director

Haven Chicago is currently seeking a talented, motivated, and highly organized Casting Director to join the team for our Director’s Haven 7 Program. This role is pivotal in shaping the artistic quality of our productions by identifying and securing the best performance talent for each of the three short projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the casting process from start to finish, including developing casting strategies, organizing auditions, and selecting performers.
• Work closely with directors to understand their vision and requirements for each role.
• Build and maintain a diverse and talented pool of performers, considering inclusivity and the richness of our community’s diversity in casting decisions.
• Negotiate contracts and manage communication between agents, actors, and the team.
• Supervise and coordinate call-backs, screen tests, and final selection of performers.
• Ensure all casting activities are within budget and adhere to Haven Chicago’s standards of professionalism and artistic excellence.
• Maintain detailed records of casting sessions, contracts, and performer information.
• Uphold the company’s commitment to a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment for all talents and staff.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Arts Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in casting within the theater or film industry.
• Proven track record of successful casting decisions and talent relations.
• Strong network within the acting and representation community and a keen eye for talent.
• Excellent negotiation, organizational, and communication skills.
• A deep passion for theater and a dedicated supporter of emerging talent.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.

About Haven Chicago:

Haven Chicago is a dynamic and innovative production company that is committed to creating powerful and transformative experiences. Our Director’s Haven Program is a unique initiative that provides three emerging directors with the opportunity to showcase their vision and talent by directing their own short productions.

Haven Chicago is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We particularly encourage candidates of varied races, ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, and those who identify as LGBTQ+ to apply, as we aim to reflect the rich diversity of our community in our team. Our goal is to create a space where every team member feels valued, respected, and able to bring their authentic selves to work. Join us in our mission to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity in the arts.

Key Dates and Deadlines:

General Production Dates

• Pre-Production 1/29/2024
• First Rehearsal 2/5/2024
• First Tech 3/13/2024
• First Preview 3/25/2024
• Opening Night 3/27/202
• Closing 4/10/2024

Casting

• Casting Complete 12/11/2023
• Understudy Casting Complete 2/5/2024

Scenery

• Preliminaries Due 1/5/2024
• Designs Approved 2/2/2024
• Final Drawings Due 2/16/2024
• Paint Elevations Due 2/16/2024
• Build Starts 3/1/2024
• Load-IN 3/8/2024

Props

• Preliminaries Info 1/5/2024
  Designs + Budget Approved 2/2/2024]
  Final Drawings Due 2/16/2024
  Load-IN 3/8/2024

Costumes

• Touch Base w/Designer 11/13/2023
• Preliminaries Due 12/4/2023
• Final Drawings Due 1/1/2024
• Designs + Budget Approved 1/15/2024
• Build Starts 1/22/2024

Lighting

• Preliminary Eqmt List Due 1/26/2024
• Budget Approved 2/9/2024
• Light Plot Due 2/23/2024
• Load-IN 3/8/2024
• Focus TBD

Sound

• Preliminary Eqmt List Due 1/26/2024
• Budget Approved 2/9/2024
• Sound Plot Due 2/23/2024
• Load-IN 3/8/2024
• Sound Programming TBD