How can you combat ageism in casting?

Ageism is a form of discrimination that affects many actors, especially women, who face fewer and less diverse opportunities as they grow older. It can also limit the creative potential and social relevance of theatrical productions, which should reflect the diversity and complexity of human experiences. In this article, we will explore some ways that you can combat ageism in casting, both as a director and as an actor, and promote more inclusive and authentic representation on stage.

1 Challenge stereotypes

One way to combat ageism in casting is to challenge the stereotypes and assumptions that often shape the roles and expectations of older actors. For example, you can question the idea that older actors are less capable, less attractive, or less interesting than younger ones, and avoid casting them only as grandparents, mentors, or villains. You can also look for scripts and stories that feature older characters with agency, depth, and diversity, and that explore themes and issues that are relevant to their lives and experiences. Alternatively, you can consider casting older actors in roles that are not explicitly defined by age, or that subvert the norms and conventions of age-appropriate casting.

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VIRGINIE KARTNER

Dubbing Manager, Actress, writer in dubbing production (french version)
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Je ne sais pas pourquoi l article en général est axé sur le théâtre. Le problème du théâtre c’est qu il est tres peu rémunérateur, seules de grosses productions payent le tarif légal . Il faudrait axer l’article sur Les productions de films et séries plateformes et télévisées qui devraient elles meme intégrer un quota de roles au dessus de 50 ans qui ne comptent pas uniquement les stars deja mediatisées. Le gouvernement ne peut pas décaler l age de la retraite et ne pas subventionner l’emploi des plus âgés. D’autant plus qu il est en train de revoir a la baisse les protections du statut d intermittence du spectacle.

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Renee' Charlow

@SAG/AFTRA--Actor/Director/Storyteller/Theatre Educator/ Workshop Facilitator
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Make certain you are prepared to our dition and that you bring your full attention to the audition. Bring your skills set and shine.

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Cynthia Pigott

Podcaster, flipping furniture & loving life! Retired Owner and Booking Agent for Model Firm Talent and Podcaster
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In my experience, as an agent, I like when the talent embraces their age and goes after the roles that they'd excel in, with age appropriate roles. Talent that takes their vast experience in their past roles and applies it to their upcoming roles, brings the experience necessary to those age appropriate roles to make them believable therefore bringing the role to life!

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2 Expand your network

Another way to combat ageism in casting is to expand your network and reach out to older actors who may be overlooked or marginalized by the mainstream industry. You can do this by attending events, workshops, and festivals that showcase the work and talent of older actors, and by creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration with them. You can also use social media, online platforms, and word-of-mouth to spread the word about your casting calls and projects, and to invite older actors to audition or submit their resumes. By expanding your network, you can discover new and diverse voices and perspectives, and enrich your theatrical production with more experience and wisdom.

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Sean Aita

Theatre Maker
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Actually one needs to address the gap in writing for older roles. Playwrights can ensure that older performers are not marginalized by writing interesting, challenging and demanding roles that reflect older people's lives.

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Isabelle Faye

Artiste plasticienne auteur compositeur interprète piano synthétiseur
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Bonjour, Oui, je pense qu'un certain nombre de personnes promeuvent un certain jeunisme qui règne en maître dans tous les milieux de la culture.

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VIRGINIE KARTNER

Dubbing Manager, Actress, writer in dubbing production (french version)
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Les directeurs de casting sont largement sollicités par les acteurs plus ages, simplement ils répondent a des demandes de la production en fonction justement d un age et d un role qui est ecrit. Le scénario est bien souvent transformé en fonction d un acteur « bankable » Le comédien plus agé en lui meme ne peut pas passer un casting san y être invité de manière tres privée.

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3 Educate yourself and others

A third way to combat ageism in casting is to educate yourself and others about the realities and challenges of older actors, and to raise awareness and advocacy for their rights and representation. You can do this by reading books, articles, and blogs that address the issue of ageism in the arts and culture sector, and by listening to the stories and opinions of older actors and activists. You can also join or support organizations and initiatives that aim to combat ageism and promote diversity and inclusion in the theatrical field, such as SAGE, The Actors Fund, or The League of Professional Theatre Women. By educating yourself and others, you can foster a more respectful and supportive environment for older actors, and inspire change and action in the industry.

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VIRGINIE KARTNER

Dubbing Manager, Actress, writer in dubbing production (french version)
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On peut ecrire des articles et se plaindre, pour avoir une réelle fenetre de visibilité il faut être sponsorisé par des marques. Il faudrait peut etre sue des marques précises soutiennent la représentation des personnes entre 45 et 70 ans a l ecran, sachant que ce dint des actifs et consommateurs.

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4 Practice self-care and empowerment

A fourth way to combat ageism in casting is to practice self-care and empowerment as an older actor, and to resist the internalized messages and pressures that may affect your self-esteem and confidence. You can do this by celebrating your achievements and skills, and by recognizing your value and contribution to the theatrical art form. You can also seek out mentors, peers, and allies who can offer you guidance, feedback, and encouragement, and who can share your struggles and successes. Moreover, you can create your own opportunities and projects that showcase your talent and creativity, and that challenge the status quo and stereotypes of older actors. By practicing self-care and empowerment, you can reclaim your agency and voice, and express yourself fully and authentically on stage.

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VIRGINIE KARTNER

Dubbing Manager, Actress, writer in dubbing production (french version)
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Le soin de soi concerne bien évidemment tous les ages. Mais faut il tomber dans le besoin de passer par la chirurgie esthétique afin de garder une petite chance de tourner ? Les acteurs stars y sont tous passes et les réglages lumieres et conditions de tournage sont plus difficiles quand les marques du temps sont là. La lumière doit être généreuse et bienveillante. Le role du chef opérateur est tres important avec des acteurs plus ages, il doit y porter une attention particulière pour les mettre en valeur dans une belle maturité.

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5 Experiment and innovate

A fifth way to combat ageism in casting is to experiment and innovate with your artistic choices and methods, and to explore new and different ways of creating and performing theatre. You can do this by embracing new technologies, genres, and formats that can enhance your theatrical production and engage your audience. You can also collaborate with artists and professionals from other disciplines and backgrounds, and learn from their perspectives and experiences. Furthermore, you can experiment with intergenerational and cross-cultural casting, and create diverse and dynamic relationships and interactions between your characters and actors. By experimenting and innovating, you can challenge yourself and your audience, and expand the possibilities and potential of theatrical production.

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VIRGINIE KARTNER

Dubbing Manager, Actress, writer in dubbing production (french version)
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On pourrait surtout parler de sujets heureux qui concernent les plus ages, et ne pas axer uniquement sur la vieillesse et la maladie. Tout le monde aujourd’hui a plusieurs vies, plusieurs couples, il n y a plus d age ni pour vivre, ni pour être amoureux, ni pour travailler.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you combat ageism in casting?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Challenge stereotypes

2 Expand your network

3 Educate yourself and others

4 Practice self-care and empowerment

5 Experiment and innovate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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How can you combat ageism in casting?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Challenge stereotypes

2 Expand your network

3 Educate yourself and others

4 Practice self-care and empowerment

5 Experiment and innovate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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