Colour Blind Casting

I know this is a very touchy subject, but one that has to be talked about and addressed. The lack of colour blind casting, has been an ongoing struggle for many ethnic minority actors, through the ages, and still continues to be an issue even now. The opportunities are more yes, but I still see theatre companies producing shows that could allow for more diverse casting, but don't.

I am seeing many more television shows being made for multi ethnic actors, which is fabulous, however we are still being type cast. Also, without a doubt, the movie industry still needs to catch up.

Selma star David Oyelowo recently admitted he had to leave the UK to find roles as it was revealed almost 60% of British films over the last 10 years failed to cast any black actors.

A few weeks ago, I decided to see which shows Stratford, in Canada, had planned for it's season, and after going on their website, it was revealed that they were producing A Chorus Line and A Little Night Music. I clicked on the cast list for both shows, and to my delight, 2 of the lead roles in A Little Night Music were black women. Amazing! However, they only had 3 performers of colour in a cast of 19 and in A Chorus Line, only 5 performers of colour in a cast of 32. Even on the creative team for A Chorus Line, there was not 1 person of colour, whether it be black, asian, hispanic, mixed race or any other. The creative team of A Little Night Music, had only 1 person of colour out of a team of 19.

I go online to many UK theatre production sites, and when pictures of their non race specific shows pop up, I see mainly white faces.

I believe that change is happening, and one day I hope to be on the other side of the table, producing, fighting for more diverse casting.

For now though, I will continue to hone my craft, and hopefully continue to be blessed to bring characters to life, as honestly as possible, despite the colour of my skin.