CSA, Inclusion in the Arts to Host Town Hall Meeting for Actors with Disabilities This Month

The Casting Society of America (CSA), in partnership with Inclusion in the Arts, will host a Town Hall conversation between casting directors and actors with disabilities on Monday, September 21, 2015 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Equity Council Room at The Actor's Equity Building (165 West 46th Street, 14th Floor).

The event is the first in CSA's "Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in Casting Initiative," a series of conversations and workshops designed to effect measurable change in how actors from historically underrepresented communities are afforded access to job opportunities.

The Town Hall, an open forum between casting directors and actors with disabilities, is open to union and non-union artists. It is intended for professional and professionally trained actors with disabilities who are pursuing professional careers. Inclusion's Howard Sherman will moderate.

The goals of the event are:

1) for both constituencies to better understand the practical issues they encounter in their respective professions, and to share goals and aspirations;

2) to discuss how CSA might better and more consistently work to increase audition opportunities and advocate for disabled actors.

The Town Hall meeting will take place on Monday, September 21, 2015, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., in the Equity Council Room at the Actors Equity Building, 165 West 46 Street, 14th Floor. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. The facility is wheelchair accessible and sign language interpreters will be provided. Those needing other accommodations, note it in your RSVP. CSA members and disabled actors should RSVP by email, noting their affiliation, to TownHallRSVP@inclusioninthearts.org.

The Casting Society of America is committed to increasing access to casting opportunities for actors who have been historically overlooked in the entertainment industry -- from actors of color to actors with disabilities. In working with our creative and producing teams we will champion our core values of diversity and inclusion, by engaging in thoughtful and informed discussions and by introducing and advocating for qualified actors. CSA and its individual members are committed to doing our part to expand perceptions and to creating a rich fabric of representation in storytelling across all media that reflects our society.

Inclusion in the Arts promotes and advocates for the full inclusion of artists if color and disabled performers at all levels of production in theatre, film, television and related media. It offers consulting services to writers, directors, producers, studio executives, casting directors and disabled artists. Inclusion in the Arts' work also extends to audiences, including those belonging to underserved and historically excluded communities. For more information, visit www.inclusioninthearts.org.