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National Theatre & Spotlight's video database for D/deaf and Disabled actors

National Theatre & Spotlight's video database for D/deaf and Disabled actors

Summary

The National Theatre and Spotlight have launched a project which aims to increase the representation of D/deaf and disabled performers in the UK by showcasing this underrepresented pool of talent to industry professionals.

We have created dedicated website called ProFile, which hosts video footage of individual performers, consisting of one or two monologues, as well as additional skills where relevant (singing, dance, instruments etc.) for casting directors to use to cast their projects.

This project is open to professional actors who identify as D/deaf or disabled and is a free service.

Where it all began and where we are now

This initiative was created as part of the National Theatre’s Creative Diversity Project, a project focusing on diversity and inclusion at the NT, one strand of which aims to address the under-representation of d/Deaf and disabled actors on our stages. Charlotte Bevan (running the Creative Diversity Project) was formerly a Casting Director at the NT and Shakespeare’s Globe, and designed this in order to widen the pool from which casting directors and directors draw their talent.

There are currently over 100 performers on the site with more waiting to be filmed. Since October 2017, when the site was launched, it has had over 8000 hits from over 1200 unique users in 26 countries. The site has already been used in casting processes for the NT and numerous other UK theatres as well as the BBC, Disney and Netflix among others. All of Spotlight’s film, theatre and television contacts in the UK have access to the site, as well as over 300 UK theatre professionals- directors, producers and casting directors.

Dates

We aim to hold regular filming days in London, based on demand, and are hoping to be able to offer regional filming dates throughout 2018. If you are interested please let us know your access needs and we will try to accommodate them, whether that be a wheelchair accessible venue, a BSL interpreter, access to an induction loop etc.
Once you have submitted your CV, we will be in touch over the next few weeks to arrange a date that works.

What to prepare

Each performer will need to come prepared with one or two monologues of their own choosing (no longer than 2 minutes each) – if two, they should be contrasting, and at least one should be in the performer’s own accent. If the performer has any additional strong skills they would like to do (singing, playing an instrument etc.) then these can also be filmed, let us know in advance so we can ensure that there is enough time.
All the details on how to use the service or to apply to take part can be found at profileperformers.com

If you would like to submit yourself (or a client) please email your acting CV to profile@nationaltheatre.org.uk or by post to Charlotte Bevan, Directors Office, National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX.  
Please note, you do not have to be a member of Spotlight to take part, however if you are not on Spotlight, you will need to provide contact details for either yourself or your agent which can be published on the website should a casting director wish to get in touch with you.

If you have any questions, please contact Charlotte Bevan on cbevan@nationaltheatre.org.uk