Telsey + Company

Telsey + Company Telsey + Company is a New York–based casting and talent agency specializing in casting for theatre, film, television, and commercials. Founded in 1988, the firm became prominent through work on Broadway productions and collaborations with major producers, directors, and studios. The company is known for connecting performers with roles in productions tied to leading institutions such as Lincoln Center, Broadway League, and SAG-AFTRA-signatory projects.

History

Telsey + Company was established amid the late-1980s revival of Broadway and the expansion of casting networks in New York City and Los Angeles. Early engagements included regional productions linked to companies like Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, and Arena Stage, and collaborations with producers affiliated with The Shubert Organization, Nederlander Organization, and Jujamcyn Theaters. The firm expanded into television casting during the 1990s, working on projects connected to networks such as NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox Broadcasting Company, and later with streaming platforms associated with Netflix, Amazon Studios, and Hulu. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s Telsey + Company cast for high-profile musicals and plays associated with venues including Public Theater, Geffen Playhouse, and Atlantic Theater Company. The company has maintained relationships with prominent directors and producers from Steven Spielberg-related productions to collaborations with Scott Rudin, Cameron Mackintosh, and Tommy Mottola-affiliated projects.

Services and Expertise

Telsey + Company provides casting services for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, touring companies tied to organizations like Nederlander Producing Company of America and Crossroads Touring, as well as film and television casting for studios including Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Lionsgate. The firm conducts auditions and callbacks often housed in spaces near Times Square and Hell's Kitchen, and sources talent from institutions such as Juilliard School, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Yale School of Drama, and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Its expertise extends to commercial casting for agencies connected to Wieden+Kennedy, BBDO, McCann Worldgroup, and Ogilvy, and to voice-casting for companies like Electronic Arts and Disney Interactive. The company provides casting research, talent scouting with links to festivals such as Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and coordinates with unions and guilds including Actors' Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild.

Notable Clients and Projects

Telsey + Company has cast for numerous Broadway productions associated with composers and creators such as Stephen Sondheim, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Schwartz, and Jonathan Larson. The firm was involved in productions connected to stars like Audra McDonald, Idina Menzel, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, and Nathan Lane, and worked on shows produced by entities including Roundabout Theatre Company, Lincoln Center Theater, and Manhattan Theatre Club. Film and television credits encompass projects tied to filmmakers and showrunners such as Martin Scorsese, Aaron Sorkin, Shonda Rhimes, Ryan Murphy, and J.J. Abrams, as well as casting for series airing on HBO, Showtime, and Netflix. Commercial clients include campaigns for brands associated with Coca-Cola Company, Apple Inc., PepsiCo, Nike, Inc., and Procter & Gamble. Touring productions cast by the firm have been presented by organizations like The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Leadership and Organization

The company was founded by David Telsey, who has collaborated with casting professionals and industry figures connected to institutions such as Roundabout Theatre Company, New York City Center, and Atlantic Theater Company. Leadership and senior casting directors at the firm have maintained ties to training institutions like The Juilliard School, Yale School of Drama, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Organizationally, the company coordinates with production offices of major Broadway producers such as Cameron Mackintosh Ltd., The Shubert Organization, and independent producers affiliated with Daryl Roth Productions and Daryl Katz Presents. The firm's administrative and legal affairs often intersect with counsel experienced in matters involving SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity Association, and theatrical labor agreements negotiated by entities such as The Broadway League.

Industry Recognition and Impact

Telsey + Company's casting work has contributed to productions honored by awards administered by institutions like Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Obie Awards. Its casting credits include shows and films that received nominations and wins from Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Academy Awards. The company’s influence is observable in talent pipelines feeding major cultural institutions such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and festivals like Spoleto Festival USA and Salzburg Festival. Its role in launching careers has been noted alongside other prominent casting entities including Casting Society of America members and peers in agencies tied to Creative Artists Agency, William Morris Agency, and United Talent Agency.

Category:Talent agencies