Type casting at school!!!?

Question

Im an actor, a pretty damn good one too. Im not just saying that either, several of my instructors have had great things to say about all of my performances. Heres the thing Im "Black", and casting directors are always trying to cast me into these stereotypical no liner roles. Its not fair, they dont even take my auditions seriously theyre always like hmmm maybe he could be the funny black sidekick or the thug etc........I think its kinda racist really and Im sick of it!!!! Any suggestions?

Thanks for the input. I believe I may have stated my problem unlcearly. In class and and at workshops they say Im great and blah blah. But when I auditon for parts theyre always giving me the "Ethnic" roles. I wanna be recognized for my skill not by my nationality. Im a hell of alot better than these jokes they keep pushing to the front of the line.

Answer 1

I agree mostly with Theatre Doc. I'd like to add that although I normally do not agree with this type of behavior, you could always take a stand and write that you will only accept certain roles if cast then decide not to participate if they offer you something else. Keep in mind, we do not know if you are genuinely good or if your friends, family and teachers are just telling you that because they love you. You have to understand our position that we've never seen you perform, but taking yuo at your word that you indeed are good and maybe better than other actors who are getting roles then you could do your own personal protest and abstain from the next show if not cast in a role you think you deserve.

From another point of view, you should understand that directors often see things you don't when they are making casting choices and especially in school it's not all about the physical. They see a certain type of potential that they wish to mold or work with especially in students. With you they may see a certain attitude or rigidity that they fear they may not be able to chage with direction. The way you are venting your frustration may be exactly the type of conflict they wish to avoid with their lead actors. This is just one other point of view, they may be thinking that you are too short or tall to go with other cast members... it may have absolutely nothing to do with skin color.

If you'd really like to be more adult about it, set up an appointment with your instructor or director or whomever is in charge of these things and tell them honestly that you're unsure of whether they've been honest in telling you that you're are so talented since you've not been cast as anything but a very minor role and though you've been happy to have any role at all you wonder if they can commit to color blind casting or if there's an issue with that? Have an open and honest discussion to get to the heart of the matter and try not to blame or yell but really try to find out the truth. Be calm. Be ready in case the truth hurts.

good luck,
Marianne

Answer 2

I though we had moved beyond ethinicity in casting school plays. Now one thing is that our opinions of ourselves are not always the same as others' opinions. And when teachers and family and friends say how great we are, they are sometimes just encouraging us or being kind. So what I am saying is we need both a reality check and a racism check, the first for you and the second for your school theatre. Now what about casting other ethinic students in roles? How's that working? Anyway you will be out of school soon and can try your talent against others. Try community theatre. Try an acting school. Otherwise shut up. My friend, Fredrick O'Neal, the late black president of Actor's Equity Association, once told us his father said he could never blame his race if he failed as an actor, only his lack of ability. He told me that over 40 years ago and he was at least 50 years old at the time, so he had a more difficult time as a black actor than black actors do nowadays. Hang in there, if you are the best actor for the role, you will get it.

Answer 3

This may not be what you want to hear, but maybe you'll just have to suck it up and deal with it for now. Even Samual L Jackson got typecasted into "thug" or "gangster" roles but eventually he proved himself as more than that and now he's one of the best actors out there. You might just have to take what you can get for now so you can gain the experience and get in front of the right people who will eventually see that your talent extends beyond being that "black friend". Good luck with it all! I hope it all works out in the end for you.

Answer 4

Do u know how in some moves theyl have like a blackk person acting stupid?

and how everyone loves it?

anyway.
if they say ur good then why change?
if they like the way u act ur parts why do u care?

i have hade the same prob. why would they give u a black persons park becaus e there rasist and then say wow he did GREAT!