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About CSA

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We cast film.

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We cast TV.

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We cast theatre.

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We cast new media.

CSA History Part 1
The Casting Society of America (CSA) was created in February of 1982 with the intent of establishing a recognized standard of professionalism in the casting field and providing its members with a support organization to further their goals and protect their common interests.The founding members of the organization (which at the time was called the American Society of Casting Directors) were Mike Fenton, Al Onorato and Joe Reich. By 1983, membership had grown to 39 and CSA began publishing a monthly newsletter for its members, reporting on casting-related news of interest.
CSA currently boasts close to 1000 members. CSA Casting Directors and Associates work around the world, with members based in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Africa.Today CSA acts as a global resource for producers, directors and creative teams seeking casting professionals, promotes the image of casting directors and associates worldwide, engages in a number of charitable activities, and supports its members by sharing important and helpful professional information of common interest.
Destiny Lilly is the current President of the organization. Past Presidents include Chemin Bernard, Russell Boast, Mary Buck, Pam Dixon, Mike Fenton, Jerold Franks, Robert Harbin, Richard Hicks, Beth Hymson-Ayer, Matthew Lessall, Rich Mento, Kim Williams, and Gary Zuckerbrod.

Milestones:

2016The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honors casting icon Lynn Stalmaster with an  Academy Award celebrating his legendary career.

2016 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences holds a special event; "Perfect Choice: The Art of the Casting Director" acknowledging the work of legendary casting directors Lynn Stalmaster, Juliet Taylor and Mike Fenton.

2014 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invites a record 22 Casting Directors to join as members of this exclusive organization. Current membership is at 90+. 

2013 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences establishes a Casting Director Branch. Three Casting Directors from the branch (all CSA members) are elected to serve on The Academy's prestigious Board of Governors.

2012 HBO premieres the documentary film 'Casting By', which shines a light on Casting by focusing on legendary Casting Director Marion Dougherty.

2011 CSA membership includes over 600 members, with Casting Directors and Associates across five continents.

2008 The first Casting Associates are approved for Associate-level membership of the CSA.

2008 Film Independent establishes the 'Robert Altman Award', which honors the extraordinary collaborative work of a film's director, casting director and ensemble cast.

1993 CSA members are invited to join the group of theatre professionals designated as voters for the American Theatre Wing Tony Awards. Currently 15 CSA members are Tony Voters.

1989 The creative contributions of Casting Directors are recognized by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with the first-ever Emmy Award for Casting.

1985 CSA's New York Chapter is established. The chapter offers direct regional support to those members in the New York area, and produces the East Coast Artios Award ceremony.

1985 Jennifer Shull becomes the first Casting Director designated by AMPAS (the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) as a 'member-at-large'. The number of Casting Directors admitted as AMPAS members slowly increases, to its current number of 39.

1984 CSA produces the first Artios Awards, which recognize excellence in casting - awarded annually to CSA members in categories covering work in television, film, and theatre.

1982 CSA was founded (as the American Society of Casting Directors).