Diversity, our strength

NBC casting call brings out the best in Toronto

Performers getting an update at the NBC open call.

Equal opportunities for all our members is one of ACTRA’s key strategic points, so when NBC Universal decided to hold an open casting call for culturally and physically diverse actors ACTRA Toronto’s diversity committee got involved!

ACTRA Toronto staff and volunteers were at the Cinespace offices on August, 4th and 5th, to quickly move performers through a face to face meeting with either one of four U.S. network executives or with Canadian casting agent Millie Tom, who was also invited to attend.

Those who made it in the building were thrilled with the opportunity to be seen. Although ACTRA Toronto negotiated a day exclusively for ACTRA members, in reality the majority of the over 850 actors who showed up over the two days were in fact members of ACTRA. We also negotiated the opportunity for agencies to send in demo reels and résumés for their working clients unable to make the event. And for the performers who didn’t have a demo reel, over 100 actors were called back in the afternoon to record an on camera audition.

Performers preparing to be seen by talent reps

All the material collected will be reviewed by several major U.S. networks, including NBC, Fox and CBS upon their return to L.A. The NBC initiative is part of a wider mandate by the company to increase diversity on and behind the camera.

NBC has also traveled to various American cities, as well as Vancouver, to hold similar open calls. Go to DiverseCityNBC to learn more about NBC’s diversity initiatives. Or, you can check out Fox’s diversity website where diverse performers are encouraged to upload their reels.

The large turn out and the depth and breadth of Toronto’s diverse talent base that were seen by the US networks meant the event was a huge success, drawing front page press and an impressive amount of televised news coverage. ACTRA’s participation in this event was helmed by Jani Lauzon, Chair of ACTRA Toronto’s diversity committee. The diversity committee would like to offer its sincere thanks to the volunteers from council, the committee and staff who ran the event smoothly and with dignity.

Here's a sampling of the media coverage the event attracted:

• CTV
• The Star
• The Globe and Mail

Other Opportunities

Physically diverse performers (actors living with disabilities) are encouraged to e-mail diversity@actratoronto.com to be added to a contact list for other events.

Actors from diverse communities are encouraged to register for ACTRA Toronto's diversity talent directory: http://www.castingdiversity.ca/

All performers are encouraged to make sure their current contact information is on file Membership so ACTRA Toronto can keep you informed about professional opportunities.

Help ensure that you can be seen and found. Make sure that the pictures and resumes in ACTRA's casting database, Face to Face, are always up-to-date! (Click here if you're not sure how!)