On April 19, 2021, ACTRA Toronto revealed the first of a number of showcases to promote its diverse membership.
The Black Performer Showcase is the first of many such Showcases planned, including a Latinx Showcase, a Queer Showcase, a showcase for performers living with disabilities, an Asian Showcase and more.
Launched with support and assistance from Ontario Creates and the Casting Directors Society of Canada, the public-facing online promotion aims to attract the interest of American and international producers who “who may not realize that you can truly ‘cast the world’ in Toronto,” said President David Gale in a press release. “We know this impressive Showcase will draw attention to the wealth of potential and talent our province holds…you can find actors to play anyone in the world right here in Ontario.”
Richard Young, ACTRA Toronto’s Treasurer and Chair of ACTRA National’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, said, “Building on the work of ACTRA’s existing performer databases, The Black Performer Showcase is a fantastic tool highlighting the deep bench of talented Black performers in Ontario.” Jenn Paul, ACTRA Toronto’s Industry Relations Specialist: Anti-Black Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, added: “Producers can cast performers here with the specific cultural background to authentically tell their story.”
Watch full scenes here.
