Casting Society of America Will Host Events for AAPI Performers Throughout May

The Casting Society of America announced on Thursday, May 6, that it will be launching a new initiative entitled Closer To Equity: Deconstructing The Asian Narrative. The Asian American Pacific Islander Initiative will include two virtual town halls with round table conversations and events, the goal of which is to effect concrete change in how creatives in this historically underrepresented community have been perceived, what they have achieved, and how the industry collectively can create systemic change to move the needle of progress forward. Events will take place throughout Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, beginning May 10 and running through May 28. The panels are free and open to the entire entertainment community.

May 10 marks the beginning of it all, The Groundwork, which will include individual stories and conversations with industry creatives around topics such as media perception through a historical lens, power dynamic and systems of oppression, combating stereotypes, authenticity and allyship, international perspective, Asian achievements, and more. Interested attendees can register for the free event here. Additionally, the Asian Visibility Through An Industry Lens live town hall on May 17 will be co-moderated by Caroline Liem, casting director and CSA VP of Advocacy, and Lee Ann Kim, former TV news anchor, reporter, and founder of the Pacific Arts Movement. 

Liem says, “Being half Asian, I felt I half belonged—not quite fitting the narrative wherever I went. The principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and the processes and framework supporting the present systems need to continue to be examined if we want to create a world where underrepresented groups feel they belong. Speaking candidly from a place of vulnerability, and listening from a place of openness, with a strong desire to ‘do better’ in action is how we expedite the change we need to achieve a more equitable industry where we all belong.” 

Panels are open to the acting community including Asian and Asian American Pacific Islanders. Conversations will include in-depth discussions on visibility and invisibility as well as the challenging nature of where the community has been, where it currently is, and where it is headed. Interested participants can register for the second town hall here.

The month of programming is the latest in CSA’s diversity and inclusion efforts that have included town hall discussions, open calls, and more. CSA co-president Russell Boast spearheaded the organization’s efforts and continues to do so today, saying “Empowering casting directors by giving them the tools to cast authentically will create a ripple effect through the industry that will result in more opportunities for underrepresented actors and filmmakers in front of and behind the camera.” 

Additional Closer to Equity roundtables will be broadcast throughout May, along with events on Clubhouse. A complete list of these roundtables can be found here, and will also be announced on CSA’s Instagram. More information can be found by contacting equity@castingsociety.com.