LOS ANGELES, Calif – The Casting Society of America will be hosting an international open call for transgender actors as part of the CSA’s inclusion commitment within the entertainment industry to challenge unconscious bias, empower casting directors to lead the inclusion conversation, and discover, educate, and promote the next generation of extraordinary talent within a wide range of diverse communities.
Over 30 CSA members around the world will be opening their offices to union and non-union transgender actors, including non-binary, gender non-confirmation, and genderqueer actors. Actors who are professionally trained as well as those actively pursuing professional careers are welcome to attend. Artists will be given an opportunity to do a two-page prepared scene in front of panel of two to four CSA casting director members.
“We are requesting actors to bring a scene of their choice that best represents them as an artist,” said Russell Boast, CSA Vice President and head of the Inclusion and Diversity Committee.
The open call will offer underrepresented actors the opportunity to perform in a professional environment, while introducing casting directors to undiscovered gems and a pool of talent who, with the right training, could become the next generation of diverse film and television stars.
“Trans people have worked hard to hone their craft, but rarely get the chance to be seen since so few are represented,” said Ann Thomas, founder of Transgender Talent. “Thank you for giving us this opportunity, CSA.”
Offices will be open on Sunday, October 22nd in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, Toronto, Montreal, and London from 11:00am – 1:00pm and 2:00pm – 4:00pm location time. Barcelona will be conducting open calls on Monday October 23 at the provided times.
