The Stage

BBC seeks talented disabled actors

Published Tuesday 27 January 2009 at 16:55 by Matthew Hemley

BBC diversity executive Mary FitzPatrick is spearheading a talent search for disabled actors, as part of an attempt by the Corporation to boost disability portrayal on television.

FitzPatrick, who is responsible for working with commissioners and producers to improve on-screen portrayal and diversity in BBC content, said four UK cities would be visited in an attempt to find disabled actors who might then go on to appear in the Corporation’s forthcoming comedies and dramas.

All those discovered in the talent search will have their information placed on a new disabled actors and performers directory, which is set to be launched by the BBC in April.

FitzPatrick said the BBC had worked with a number of agencies to create the directory, which will launch with 170 performers, and added: “I just felt it would be really good to provide BBC production staff and independent companies with a one-stop shop - an easy, approachable research tool. People are having to go to too many places looking for talent. With this directory we have brought everyone in to one mother hub.”

Although the directory will help production staff looking for actors with a specific disability, FitzPatrick said she hoped casting agents would use the site to cast disabled performers in roles that do not specify a disability.

The launch of the directory will coincide with the UK-wide talent search, details of which - including what the audition process will be and which cities will be visited - have yet to be finalised by the BBC.

The Corporation’s plans follow the release of new research, carried out jointly by the BBC and Channel 4, into the needs of disabled audiences and their perception of disability portrayal on television.

It found that disabled viewers believe broadcasters should tackle perceived stereotypes of disability and that disabled people should feature more often in content that focuses on ordinary life.