Assistant Producer and Casting Associate

Assistant Producer and Casting Associate Reports To Director of Theatre and Director of Production Location Bethesda, MD Department Aristic/Production FLSA Status Exempt Hours Full-time – hours are variable. Will include some weekends, evenings, and holidays. Must be present for all final dress rehearsals, all opening and/or VIP performances, and other Imagination Stage events as scheduled. PURPOSE OF POSITION The Assistant Producer and Casting Associate is responsible for executing and administrating the producing function of plays and musical programming, and will play a critical role in operationalizing the artistic programming of Imagination Stage. This is a full-time producing position with a focus on casting, advance planning, facilitating new play workshops, and contracting. The position is also responsible for liaising and collaborating across departments, and taking on special projects, as assigned. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Casting (40%): Oversees the casting and auditions process for all of Imagination Stage’s theatrical programming by organizing auditions and callbacks, including AEA Equity Principal Auditions, generating lists of potential candidates for available roles, managing offers, hiring processes, and maintaining casting files. Serve as an ambassador for Imagination Stage locally, attending DMV-area performances to scout for talent, representing IStage at auditions, and industry events. Develop and maintain relationships with artists (performers, creatives, and designers/technicians) on behalf of Imagination Stage. Hire, manage, and support understudies for Imagination Stage’s theatrical programming to ensure appropriate role coverage and artistic quality by conducting interviews/auditions, communicating and setting expectations, setting periodic check ins, and coordinating and running understudy rehearsals as needed. Artistic Planning and Administrative Support (30%): Support senior artistic, production, and leadership staff in the season planning process by coordinating script selections and researching available material and current trends in the TYA field. Develop and maintain processes for transparent communication and alignment of expectations between guest artists and IStage Production and Administrative staff. In collaboration with the Production Department, Programming Staff, and Other Imagination Stage team members, plan and execute assigned tours in the DMV area and out of town. Support Imagination Stage’s efforts to build relationships with presenting venues and other performance sites in the DC area. Schedule and arrange first rehearsal meet & greets, final dress gatherings, closing celebrations, and other events for guest artists and IStage Staff. Producing and Company Management (25%): Under the supervision of the Director of Production, negotiate and execute all licensing and royalty contracts for Imagination Stage’s theatrical programming. Submit and track all royalty payments for Imagination Stage’s theatrical programming and ensure Imagination Stage’s contractual obligations are met. Make contracts, onboard, and process payment for artistic contracts including actors, directors, music directors, choreographers, stage managers, and other creatives for all of Imagination Stage’s artistic programming. Arrange for travel and housing for occasional out-of-town playwrights and other artists. Coordinate with Education, Development, and Community Engagement as assigned to support organizational events including but not limited to VIP performances, Q&As or demonstrations with technical staff, and backstage tours. Take a leadership role in producing Imagination Stage’s Annual Gala and support the needs of the Development, Artistic, and Production teams in ensuring the event is executed smoothly and at a high quality. Facilitate new play workshops by ensuring they are properly staffed, supported, and have the necessary space, equipment, and supplies. Ensure communication between the artistic team and other Imagination Stage departments. Onboard performers and stage managers at the beginning of their employment to orient them to the organization and communicate all relevant HR and company policies and procedures. Serve as the AEA Liaison for Imagination Stage by facilitating communication, submitting required documentation and forms, and collaborate with the Directors of Theatre and Production to ensure Imagination Stage’s compliance with AEA policies, contracts, and requirements. Organizational Support (5%): Provide logistical support and problem-solving for all administrative aspects of Imagination Stage’s theatrical programming. Support the contributions and work objectives of work colleagues, including pitch-hitting when possible. Contribute to Imagination Stage's anti-racist/anti-oppression organizational goals through strategic partnership, active participation in IDEA initiatives, and rigorous self-reflection and self-accountability. Key Competencies, Skills, and Qualifications The ideal candidate will be interested in an arts management career with experience and interest in the administrative aspects of producing. Interest and a passion for the field of arts management is key, and experience is preferred but not required. Artistic Support: The ability to communicate with artistic leadership, directors, and other artists about their project in an informed manner. Cultural Competence: A sophisticated understanding of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression principles and practices, and the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. Project Management: Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities. Strong critical thinking and proactive problem-solving capabilities. Budget Management: The ability to monitor and forecast spending with well-reasoned accuracy. Casting: Knowledge of the local talent pool of actors, designers and directors is a plus. Experience with Unions: Familiarity with AEA and other union contracts is a plus. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Annual Salary: $52,000 75% coverage for HMO individual health insurance Generous Paid Time Off Transit/Parking benefit Generous free and reduced-price tickets, classes, and summer camps Imagination Stage celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values members of our whole community. Imagination Stage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Imagination Stage is committed to providing an inclusive interview process. If you need accommodations to participate in an interview, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to meet your needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr Imagination Stage