Statement on Casting

OETC seeks to employ the very best available talent for every role in our productions. We champion diversity in all forms within casting decisions and we are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive audition environment where performers are empowered to do their best work.

We also have a responsibility to consider and cast, where possible and appropriate, performers with lived experience of being affected by addiction.

We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all performers regardless of their characteristics protected by this policy. We understand the importance of visibility and representation onstage and we want to reflect the diversity of the population in our work. We are committed to representing the true diversity of our society in our casts and to the inclusion of people from historically and currently excluded groups and communities, without prejudice as to whether they are drama school trained or not.

We welcome feedback on our casting practices and this policy will continue to be reviewed with members from our artistic community. To help us monitor our progress, all performers who are offered paid work with OETC are asked to complete our standard Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form at the start of the engagement. Depending on the nature and length of the contract, performers may also be asked to complete a qualitative feedback form at the end of the engagement to find out about their experience working with us.

Integrated Casting Policy

To support our equal opportunities commitments to performers, we have developed an Integrated Casting Policy:

• We seek to provide opportunities for performers with lived experience of being affected by addiction.
• We seek to cast performers from all cultural groups and of all ethnicities and will consider artists from diverse backgrounds for every role, not just those written with specific personal characteristics in mind.
• We will actively seek casting opportunities for trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming people in any role regardless of gender.
• Where we are casting for a role that is culturally specific, we are committed to casting a performer from that culture and/or lived experience.
• We will never cast a cisgender person in a trans, nonbinary or gender nonconforming role.
• We seek to provide opportunities for d/Deaf and disabled performers and will consider making reasonable adjustments, if required.
• We will never cast a non-d/Deaf or disabled person in a d/Deaf or disabled role.

In order to achieve our commitment to achieving a diverse cast, or to help redress any imbalances that might occur across the protected characteristics listed in this policy, OETC will take positive action in our approach to casting as and when required.

Audition Guidelines

To ensure equal opportunities for performers from all backgrounds, the casting requirements of available roles on all OETC productions are advertised on Spotlight. Breakdowns are sent to all UK agents and on occasion are distributed internationally. In the event that we are looking for more specialised or specific performers, breakdowns will be advertised on the Spotlight link board and other relevant channels.

OETC is committed to creating an equitable space for all through our casting processes and we aim to provide an anti-oppressive environment for people from all backgrounds. We believe in honouring best practice including the removal of barriers in audition rooms, rehearsal spaces and casting processes to support participation. To support these commitments, OETC works in accordance with the theatre Audition Guidelines set out by the Casting Directors’ Guild and at the very least this means that performers will:

• Be given adequate time for preparation, whenever possible.
• Know who they will be meeting and what is expected of them in the audition.
• Be offered the opportunity to inform us if they have access needs and have any access needs or requirements met.
• Ensure that every performer who auditions for a role (and their agents) are kept up to date throughout the casting process with decisions, next steps and/or recalls.

Throughout the casting process, all allegations of discrimination against a person because of a protected characteristic will be dealt with seriously and confidentially. Any performer who is concerned with OETC’s casting process should follow the normal Grievance Policy and Procedure and they will be made aware of this option at every stage of the casting process.