Casting Guild of Australia and Showcast announce 20 finalists for inaugural first nations acting initiative – The Casting Guild of Australia (CGA), in partnership with Showcast, has launched its inaugural First Nations Acting Initiative to celebrate and amplify the voices of First Nations actors across Australia.
The First Nations Acting Initiative invited performers aged 15 to 80 from across the country to submit auditions, welcoming participants at all stages of their careers – from amateur and emerging actors to established professionals.
Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished panel comprising representatives from CGA and Showcast, alongside acclaimed actor Rob Collins (Total Control, RFDS) and producer Greer Simpkin (Sweet Country, Mystery Road) from Bunya Productions.
The panel was deeply impressed by the exceptional calibre of talent showcased in the submissions. Following a careful and considered selection process, 20 finalists have now been selected from across Australia.
CGA and Showcast are pleased to announce the 20 finalists selected through the initiative:
- Ajay Williams
- Chenile Chandler
- Colin W. Smith
- Corey Saylor-Brunskill
- Djalu Barsah
- Jai Craig-Fraser
- Jai Wright
- Jamie-Lee Black
- Joe Schmidt
- Josie Rose Flanders
- Koylan Sampi
- Mollie Nichaloff
- Nestor Jordan
- Riley Warner
- Ruby May Henaway
- Sarah Roberts-Field
- Taylor Rayfield
- Theo Clarke
- Trinity West
- Zak Patel
The 20 finalists will receive:
- 12 Months Free Showcast Membership: Valued at $250.
- Representation Opportunities: Assistance in connecting with professional acting agents for ongoing representation.
- Interview: Meet and greet with Anousha Zarkesh (casting director) and Rob Collins (actor)
- Industry Exposure: auditions will be accessible to casting directors across Australia for future film, TV and theatre projects.
Casting director and CGA representative Anousha Zarkesh said,
“It is so exciting to see the wealth of new talent we discovered from across Australia from our inaugural First Nations Acting Initiative. We hope to support the actors moving forward and intend to run this initiative again this year.”
Collins said,
“Seeing the breadth of talent from our mob makes me so excited for the future. This initiative will help put more Indigenous faces and stories on our screens, where they should be.”
Simpkin said,
“It has been an absolute privilege to watch the auditions for this wonderful First Nations Acting Initiative created by the Casting Guild of Australia and Showcast. What a great depth of talent! I wish the finalists and all those that auditioned the very best with their acting careers.”
All performers who submitted will remain visible to members of the Casting Guild of Australia through Showcast, ensuring that the full breadth of talent discovered through the First Nations Acting Initiative can continue to be viewed and considered for future casting opportunities across the Australian screen industry.
Finalists who are not currently represented by an agent may also be introduced to reputable talent agencies through informal industry connections facilitated by members of the Casting Guild of Australia, with the intention of helping create opportunities for representation.
The Casting Guild of Australia extends its sincere thanks to all performers who participated, as well as the panel members and partners who supported the First Nations Acting Initiative. The CGA recognises the importance of continuing to amplify and support the creative voices of First Nations artists across the Australian screen industry.
Media Release – CGA
TV Central Other content HERE
Casting Guild of Australia and Showcast announce 20 finalists for inaugural first nations acting initiative
