Representation of Deaf and disabled performers to be boosted via a dedicated tool on Showcast

The Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) together with Australia’s #1 casting resource Showcast has launched a free professional tool aimed to increase the representation of Deaf and disabled performers in Australia by showcasing the pool of talent to industry professionals. The dedicated platform will be hosted on Showcast’s website and be made available to national casting directors, agents and producers.

The new portal will host self-taped video footage of individual performers as well as a headshot and CV for industry professionals to use to cast their projects. Performers wanting to submit their details will simply need to log-in to Showcast’s portal.

An initiative of CGA’s Inclusivity Committee led by casting director, Angela Heesom, the tool was designed to widen the pool from which casting directors and directors draw their talent.

Says Heesom: “We really wanted to make a difference. Not only to showcase a vibrant and talented pool of Deaf and disabled artists, but to facilitate greater inclusion and equality of representation on our screens. Stories told authentically is what audiences want to see, and our Inclusion Committee is really excited about this launch and already working on the next.”

Says Thea McLeod, president, CGA: “This is one of a series of CGA projects to support the equity and inclusion for all performers in the film and television industry and we’re delighted to be working with Showcast on this meaningful initiative. Together, we can highlight a breadth of Deaf and disabled performers to create further opportunities in TV, film and on the stage. We are very excited about the talented performers this initiative will lead us to.”

Says Kendall Phillips, manager Showcast: “Showcast is delighted to be partnering with the Casting Guild of Australia to help showcase Deaf and disabled performers using Showcast’s state of the art technology. Showcast is passionate about inclusivity in casting and always keen to collaborate with industry to uncover exciting new talent.”

Says Daniel Monks, actor, filmmaker, and dancer: “As a disabled actor, I find CGA and Showcast’s new database dedicated to increasing the representation of Deaf and disabled performers in Australia incredibly heartening. Inclusion and accessibility within our industry is a necessity, and I heartily encourage any interested Deaf and disabled performers to utilise this important initiative.”

For more information, please visit www.castingguild.com.au.

Photo credit: Marc Brenner