The United Kingdom actors' union, Equity, has just released a manifesto demanding that steps be taken to create a more fair and inclusive casting process for actors.
Among the stipulations laid out are increased diversity on stage and screen, a reduction in the number of callbacks, and performers being told when they will not be receiving an offer for a given role.
A launch event for the movement will be held on June 22 in London and will feature speeches from influential industry heavy-hitters including Tracy Brabin, ever growing MP, actor, and writer, Clare Cooper Marshal, the Head of Casting and Contracts for ITV Studios, and Equity councillor Emmanuel Kojo.
Speaking to the purpose of the manifesto, Equity’s General Secretary, Christine Payne, said: “Our industries will only thrive by attracting and retaining professional talent, regardless of background or circumstances, ever-growing demands for audio and audio-visual creative content on stage, on screen, online and on demand. This manifesto will be used by the union to seek the changes that will ensure the continued success of our creative industries.”
A number of established actors have also spoken out in support of the manifesto that, in addition to the aforementioned, requests that the industry ensures audition venues are accessible to all, and that local talent is given audition opportunities, as well.
Patrick Stewart, the multi-Olivier and Emmy Award winner, said, “Diversity in casting is critical for the proper survival and progress of our profession, as well as the exposure of such diversity to our audiences. Communication, consideration and respect are all part of a happy casting process, no matter who the artist is, his or her background, or experience.”
The actor Mark Rylance, who has won Tony and Olivier Awards as well as an Academy Award, also expressed support. “It’s great that so many people in our industry recognise that we need to open up opportunities for working class performers, but we need to remember that to truly make performance more socially diverse requires more than the will to do so,” he said. “We need practical measures, like the ones suggested in Equity’s Manifesto for Casting, to make sure there is real change and that everyone—no matter their postcode—has the chance to pursue a career in performance.”
Also standing behind the manifesto is Julie Walters, the Academy Award-nominated and eight-time BAFTA-winning actor. “I stand with Equity: we need there to be opportunities for performers living all over Britain,” she said. “Any production should make a concerted effort to audition local performers. Talent is not concentrated in the UK—it’s not confined to a single city. Excellent actors are to be found in all the regions.”
Click here for more information on joining the Actors’ Equity Association.