Who we are…
ORLA O’CONNOR. CASTING DIRECTOR
Orla is an independent Casting Director based in Edinburgh. She has worked in the industry since 2000, developing a strong, comprehensive knowledge of the finest acting talent in the UK, Ireland and beyond.
Born and raised in the vibrant City of Derry, with its thriving cultural scene, Orla’s passion for the dramatic arts began at an early age. She moved to Edinburgh in 1995 to study Drama & Theatre Arts (BA) at Queen Margaret University College. She then went on to work with one of Scotland’s largest theatrical agencies, Lovett Logan, where she gained an invaluable insight into the inner workings of a professional actors’ agency. A few years later, Orla moved into casting. Working alongside Victoria Beattie – one of the UK’s most accomplished Casting Directors – she honed her craft.
Orla O’ Connor Casting has operated independently since 2007, supplying film, TV, commercials, documentary and short film.
Orla remains committed to outstanding scripts, consummate acting and like-minded producers, directors and performers. For this, she thanks her mother, who took her so regularly to the theatre from early childhood.
RACHEL NOLAN. CASTING ASSISTANT
Rachel joined Orla in January 2023 after spending over a decade working across various roles in the industry.
She studied Sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art (2008–2012), followed by Filmmaking at SAE (2013–2015), originally with the ambition of making documentaries about artists. That path shifted when she landed her first job as a runner —an experience that sparked her love for drama.
Rachel worked her way up in production, eventually becoming a Coordinator, but it was always the actors who fascinated her. This passion took her to London, where she spent three years as an Agent’s Assistant at Curtis Brown. After a travel hiatus (a recurring theme in her life), she followed her heart back to Scotland and found her home with Orla.
Rachel is also a photographer and aspiring artist.
BRÍD AHERN. CASTING ASSISTANT
Originally from West Cork, Ireland, Bríd first met Orla when they became neighbours in a lovely Edinburgh stairwell. Since 2007, they have been each other’s right-hand women in life, family, and shared passions. Together, they’ve enjoyed countless theatre nights, Fringe shows, cinema trips, TV binges, book swaps, and big family meals. Their deep bond is rooted in their Irish heritage and their shared love of the Arts.
Bríd joined Orla’s office in summer 2024, making the leap from a long and valued career as a Primary Teacher both in Ireland and Scotland. She has fully embraced her career move and loves working from Orla’s office in Leith. Alongside her role there, Bríd also continues to draw on her teaching background as a Tutor and Chaperone, working across theatre, film, and TV productions throughout Scotland.
WHERE WE ARE.
36 Dalmeny St
Edinburgh
EH6 8RG
We’re based in sunny Leith, just a short walk from the Balfour Street tram stop. Metered parking is available nearby, and we’re surrounded by a fantastic mix of vibrant cafés, restaurants, and bars!
For all professional enquiries please contact Ruth Young at United Agents
