Talent Directors

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

SOC: 27-2012.04

Common Job Titles

Artistic DirectorCasting AgentCasting CoordinatorCasting Director

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate performer auditions and interviews to select talent in stage, television, radio, and motion picture productions, using judgment of artistic suitability.
  • MindsetEngage with performers, agents, and production teams when establishing professional relationships across diverse creative stakeholders.
  • KnowledgeInterpret script requirements and character specifications using knowledge of fine arts and dramatic performance to identify casting needs.
  • MindsetIntegrate social perceptiveness with active listening when assessing performer suitability and interpersonal dynamics during auditions.
  • KnowledgeJustify casting decisions to directors, producers, and creative teams by articulating artistic and production considerations independently.
  • MindsetReconcile creative vision with practical production constraints when negotiating talent contracts and resolving casting conflicts.
  • MindsetAdvocate for diverse and underrepresented talent while balancing artistic merit with inclusive casting practices.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze performer portfolios, demo reels, and prior work samples using digital video equipment and database software to organize candidate information.
  • KnowledgeOrganize audition schedules and callbacks across multiple productions using appointment scheduling software and coordinating with personnel resources under time pressure.
  • KnowledgeApply knowledge of communications and media industry trends when sourcing emerging talent and adapting casting strategies to market demands.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Talent Directors (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

145,270

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$43,060
10% of workers earn the following or more$198,530
Workers on average earn$114,280

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • English Language4.2/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
  • Communications and Media3.6/5
  • Personnel and Human Resources3.6/5
  • Administration and Management3.5/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Amazon Web Services AWS softwareLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordOracle JavaSAP softwareUNIX

Technology Skills

AgencyProAppointment scheduling softwareBlogging softwareDatabase softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft operating systemOracle JavaServer Pages JSPVideo content editing software

Tools & Equipment

Computer data input scannersDesktop computersDigital video camerasDigital video disk DVD playersLaser facsimile machinesMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersTablet computers