BBC creates more opportunities for disabled actors

©BBC

The BBC have announced that they’ll be offering more opportunities for actors with disabilities through a nationwide talent search, training programme and showcase opportunity.

Class Act: A Nationwide Search and Skill Factor is an exciting new development programme from the broadcaster, part of its ambition to support and raise the profile of disabled actors.

Wannabe thespians are being invited to apply for a three-day workshop, run by ThinkBigger, which will cover audition technique, acting and business skills, script and character work, as well as the opportunity to work with directors on scenes for their showreels.

Following the course, participants will have the chance to build their contacts and showcase their talents to professionals across the industry.

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says: “This exciting new initiative will provide disabled actors with some of the finest training the BBC has to offer and give them the best possible chance to compete for opportunities. Successful participants will be exposed to a host of industry contacts and will work on creating a great showreel to boost their career.”

Alison Walsh, Pan-BBC Disability Lead, says: “On-screen portrayal of disability is increasing on the BBC but disabled actors are still struggling to find a place – especially in roles not written specifically as disabled. Although this scheme doesn’t guarantee work, it will provide training opportunities and exposure for new talent as well as established actors who have yet to have their ‘big break’. Crucially it will provide a wake-up call to drama creators that they need to work harder to consider disabled acting talent for all productions – not just those with a disability theme.”

The BBC has set itself a new target to have more disabled people within the corporation, making up 8% of all staff, 8% of leadership roles and 8% of on-screen roles, including some lead roles to make the organisations more reflective of the public.

To apply for the acting programme, you’ll need to submit self-taped audition which is two minutes or under. The training will run from 2-4 October.

To find out more about applying, follow this link.

 

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