Stars call for end to unfair and stressful casting process

THE casting process is too stressful for young actors as they wait weeks to learn if a job is theirs, says a campaign backed by Dame Julie Walters.

Some hopefuls are called back more than half a dozen times to audition for the same role only to be “pencilled in” but not given a firm offer, according to Equity, the entertainers’ union.

It has published a casting manifesto and enlisted the help of star names, such as Dame Julie, Sir Mark Rylance and Sir Patrick Stewart, to call for casting to be “clearer, fairer, less stressful and more inclusive for everyone”.

It also wants to end the “London-centric” audition process, which requires actors to travel hundreds of miles at considerable cost. And it demands performers be told they have not got a role “at the earliest opportunity”.

Explaining the stress faced by young actors, an Equity spokesman said: “Too often, people are seen for a role but put on hold – it’s called ‘pencilling’ – meaning they can’t say ‘yes’ to another job.

“The balance of power is with the casting directors and producers.”

Dame Julie, who first studied drama in Manchester, said: “Any production should make a concerted effort to audition local performers. Talent is not concentrated in the UK – it’s not confined to a single city. Excellent actors are to be found in all the regions.”