In the Podlight: Kim Montelibano Heil + Victor Vazquez - The Economics of Casting Regional Theater

Sands Talks

Summary: Casting directors Kim Montaliba-Nohail and Victor Vazquez discuss the significance of regional theater in the American arts landscape. They explore the role of regional theaters in nurturing new works, the challenges of casting in different mediums, and the economic impacts of the pandemic on the theater industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of representation, the complexities of casting expenses, and the ongoing efforts to create equitable opportunities for underrepresented voices in the arts. Both share personal insights on the journey of an artist, the value of community, and the need for persistence in the face of challenges.

Takeaways

• Regional theaters are crucial for developing new works and voices.
• Casting in regional theater involves a different set of challenges compared to film and TV.
• The pandemic has significantly impacted the economics of regional theater.
• Advocating for representation in casting is an ongoing effort.
• Success in the arts is not a binary of pass or fail.
• Actors can thrive outside of major cities like New York and LA.
• Building relationships in the industry is key to long-term success.
• Personal values should align with professional goals in the arts.
• The journey of an actor requires persistence and adaptability.
• Community support is vital for artists to flourish.

Chapters
00:00Introduction to Regional Theater and Its Importance
03:02The Role of Regional Theaters in American Canon
05:47Casting in Regional Theater vs. Film and TV
08:53Challenges of Casting and Audience Expectations
12:00Economic Impact of the Pandemic on Regional Theater
15:09Navigating Casting Expenses and Equity
17:51Advocating for Representation in Casting
21:05Success and Failure in the Arts
23:51Finding Equitable Opportunities in Different Regions
27:06The Journey of an Actor in Today's Landscape
29:50Personal Values and Professional Life in the Arts
33:02The Importance of Community and Relationships
35:57Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Artists

Connect with Kim on Instagram
Connect with Victor on Instagram
Connect with Caroline on Instagram
Connect with Grant on Instagram
Connect with In The Podlight on the Website
Check out the Old Globe Theatre on their website

The Team:
Caroline Liem – Producer & Host
Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host
Cris Graves - Producer & Editor
David Margolin Lawson - Composer
Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration
The Lee Agency - Press Agent
Brandon Mills - Cover Art Photo Credit

In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands

● The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University.

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands College of Performing Arts.