CBC hiring: ‘Any race except Caucasian’

Ad for host pulled from Craigslist amid backlash

A casting call to hire a new CBC host that specifically said white people need not apply has been withdrawn, with the casting agent offering apologies for the mistake.

The original ad for the host of a children’s show, posted on the casting agency’s website under a CBC logo and on Craig- slist, said: “Please only submit [an audition tape] if you match the following criteria: Male between the ages of 23-35 years; Any race except Caucasian.”

A new version of the ad removes the race reference, but maintains the sex and age restrictions and that applicants “must be able to carry a tune,” “ability to dance or move well is a bonus,” and should be “not afraid to show a silly side,” among others.

The revised casting call was issued and the Craigslist ad deleted Monday after critics on Twitter started questioning the restriction.

The exclusion shocked many, including Alex Guibord, a communications consultant in Toronto.

“It is wrong in any ad to exclude people — women need not apply, specific races need not apply, gays can’t apply,” he said in an interview.

Adding that he is of mixed race and gay, he thinks exclusionary policies are out of line: “You’re trying to be more inclusive, visually, by being exclusionary.”

The independent agency contracted by the CBC to post the ad said it was a mistake.

“We apologize. We made a mistake and we’re apologizing profusely,” said Larissa Mair of Larissa Mair Casting and Asso ciates Inc. “I’m mortified,” she said. “We were asked to seek a cast of diversity. We mistaken ly took that to mean that the production was not seeking Caucasian actors. This was a mistake that was made entire ly by the casting company.

“Of course, it’s open to al ethnicities,” she said.

Chuck Thompson, head of media relations for CBC Eng lish Services, said the language in the ad was regrettable but the public broadcaster was in deed looking for diversity.

“At CBC, inclusion and diversity is a priority. This means reflecting Canada and its regions as well as the country’s multicultural and multiracial nature,” says a let ter the CBC provides casting agencies, forwarded by Mr Thompson.

“As a part of our com mitment to this priority, we are now reaching out to our partners in production to ensure that a concerted and documented effort be made … to cast actors who reflect Canada’s diversity,” the letter says.

“Our focus in this latest initiative is simply to ensure that our search to find the best talent is broad and inclusive.”

Said Mr. Thompson: “Regrettably, in this particular case, it’s clear that our language was not used but it wil be corrected.” The show being cast was

Patty and Mamma Yamma. In past Kids’ CBC shows, Mamma Yamma is a yam puppet who runs a fruit and vegetable stand in Toronto’s Kensington Market.

The casting call also offers tips for applicants.

“Make it your own and show off your personality. We’re not looking for someone to play a character, but to be himself,” it says. “The lighting and sound are key — we want to be able to clearly see and hear you so shoot your audition some where quiet and well lit.”

Applicants must also sub mit a photo and resumé.