Backstage will sponsor a two-hour panel discussion titled Creatives in Conversation: Anti-Black Racism in Casting on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
The panel, which is part of Backstage’s new series of roundtable conversations centering on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the entertainment industry, will delve into the experiences of Black actors, creatives, and casting professionals as they discuss how anti-Black racism has impacted their lives and careers.
The conversation will be moderated by Ianne Fields Stewart and panelists will include actor Jelani Alladin (“Frozen the Musical”); director Timothy Douglas (“Radio Golf,” Yale Rep); casting directors Erica A. Hart and Destiny Lilly; agent and founder of Bona Fide Artists Traci Lynn Luthy; actor Ezra Knight (“Coal Country,” Public Theater); actor Malika Samuel (“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”); actor Saycon Sengbloh (“Respect”); and founder of Broadway Black Drew Shade.
Jaron Gilchrist and Carlee James will be present as ASL interpreters.
For this conversation, Backstage is collaborating with Casting for Accountability (C4A), a network of activist casting professionals pushing for standards of accountability for casting, as well as NY Black Casting Alliance (NYBCA) where Black casting professionals based in and around New York aim to create more opportunity for Black casting professionals and create safe workspaces for Black actors, and Casting Society of America (CSA).
While the event will be open to all, we ask that non-Black performers be mindful of the limited capacity and consider making space for Black members of the Backstage community, as well as to create a safe space for everyone to talk freely and openly.
Register in advance here for the event.