Scope exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else and are delighted with the BBC Class Act initiative.
BBC Class Act is a nationwide development programme which aims to support and raise the profile of disabled actors.
Last August, the BBC launched a nationwide search for talented disabled actors. From over 350 audition tapes, 32 people were were selected to attend an intensive three day skills workshop led by BBC directors. The actors were given lessons in everything from audition and camera techniques to help with their show reels, with the aim of improving their chances of being cast in more roles. At the launch, Piers Wenger from the BBC said:
“I hope the talent you see encourages you to consider disabled talent for a manner of roles. It’s crucial that all of us in the industry work collectively to nurture and include disabled actors so that we can see increased representation on our screens.”
Carly Jones, one of the talented actors who took part, tells us why this is so important to her