In June, 2005, ACTRA Toronto hosted a successful launch of the Diversity committee initiative Mainstream Now. This very popular casting tool was created for producers, casting directors and directors, and builds on the success of Into the Mainstream originally published by ACTRA National, spearheaded by Sandi Ross. In the summer of 2006, we completed our first update. More than 100 actors were added to the binder, bringing the total to more than 500. The current initiative includes changes to Face to Face online, ACTRA's online talent catalogue which would create an electronic version of Mainstream Now and expand it nationally through www.actra.ca.

Photo gallery from launch event

Industry professionals click here to order their free copy of Mainstream Now

In 2006 we completed our first update. Over 100 actors were added, bringing the total to over 500.

Although the binder format has been a highly popular casting tool, ACTRA Toronto has had numerous requests to establish an electronic format and extend the initiative nationally.

In order to do this effectively and economically, ACTRA members will soon notice an additional field in the Ethnic background section of Face to Face online (F2F) at www.actra.ca. This new field will help differentiate “who you are” from “who you feel you can play”. With the addition of the new field, F2F will give producers, directors and industry professionals the opportunity to create accurate and specific talent searches not available anywhere else. Options are good, and ACTRA recognizes that any effort to support our membership, in as many ways as possible, will only help to create a strong and inclusive Canadian Film Industry and more potential work opportunities for all our members.

In addition to the supplementary field you will also notice that the Disability field will now be for disabled actors only. In an effort to support legislation aimed at reducing unfair discrimination against people with disabilities, ACTRA supports the opportunity for disabled actors to identify themselves, giving producers and industry professionals an opportunity to cast disabled actors for disabled roles, should they desire to do so.

Look for these exciting changes in the near future and take advantage of this new initiative. The strength of our Canadian industry is only possible if built on the richness of our diversity.

If you haven’t already, please ensure you create your profile on Face to Face Online at www.actra.ca

Diversity Co-Chair: Jani Lauzon - 416-928-2278, ext. 6618
e-mail: jlauzon@actratoronto.com

Diversity Co-Chair: Sheila Boyd - 416-928-2278, ext. 6619
e-mail: sboyd@actratoronto.com

Brought to you by ACTRA Toronto’s Diversity Committee