In this episode I chat with casting director Sarah-Jane Price for a rich, honest, and deeply human conversation about what really happens behind the casting table. We explore how the role of casting is evolving, the emotional realities faced by both performers and casting directors, and why genuine connection matters more than ever in the creative industries.

Sarah-Jane shares her journey from performer to casting director, the fulfilment she finds championing talent, and how social media has transformed the way artists are discovered and seen. We talk about the magic of opening nights, the complexity and responsibility behind casting decisions, and the compassion required to hold space for artists navigating rejection, hope, and ambition.

Together, we dive into the realities of freelance life, mental health, rest, and identity — why embracing imperfection is a creative superpower, and how trusting the process can redefine what success really means. We also look ahead to the future of theatre, from immersive experiences to the role of technology in expanding what’s possible on stage.

This episode is a powerful reminder that creativity thrives when we lead with empathy, courage, and connection — and that the industry is at its best when we remember the humans at the heart of it all.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah-Jane Price

03:20 The Evolving Role of Casting

05:15 Navigating Emotions in Casting

07:44 The Shift from Performer to Casting Director

10:24 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Performance

12:01 The Impact of Social Media on Casting

14:14 The Joy of Creating New Work

15:55 The Changing Landscape of Talent Discovery

18:23 Connecting with Talent in a Digital Age

20:54 The Importance of Genuine Connections

22:20 The Passion for Theatre

24:29 The Excitement of Opening Nights

26:45 Meeting Big Names in the Industry

30:02 Humanizing the Casting Process

32:01 Understanding the Complexity of Casting Decisions

33:27 Understanding Casting and the Industry's Complexities

35:02 Navigating Freelance Life and Finding Balance

37:52 Mental Health and the Creative Process

40:21 The Importance of Rest and Creative Fueling

43:53 The Intersection of Identity and Career

46:47 Embracing Imperfection and the Joy of Creativity

49:52 Trusting the Process and Defining Success

51:30 The Future of Theatre and Immersive Experiences

Sarah-Jane's Website: https://www.sarahjaneprice.co.uk

Sarah-Jane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjanepricecasting/

Club Thrive Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_

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