Dame Julie Waters: make the audition process less stressful and 'London-centric'

The casting process is too stressful for young actors as they wait weeks to learn if they've landed a job, according to a campaign backed by Dame Julie Walters.

Some hopefuls are called back more than half a dozen times to audition for the same role and then are ‘pencilled in’ but not given a firm offer, Equity said.

The actors’ union has published a casting manifesto and enlisted the help of big names in the industry, including Maxine Peake, David Morrissey, Sir Mark Rylance and Sir Patrick Stewart.

It also calls for an end to the “London-centric” audition process, which requires many actors to travel hundreds of miles at considerable cost.

The manifesto seeks to make casting “clearer, fairer, less stressful and more inclusive for everyone”.

It demands that performers “be informed when they have not got a role at the earliest opportunity”.

Explaining the stresses placed on actors trying to land their big break, an Equity spokesman said: “Too often, people are seen for a role but put on hold - it’s called ‘pencilling’. They are pencilled in, meaning they can’t say yes to another job.

“The balance of power is with the casting directors and producers.”

West End productions are the biggest offenders when it comes to multiple callbacks, the spokesman said. “You can have 5-10 recalls about a production. Certain people will see you, then you’ll have to come back again when a big investor or producer is on board. We feel that process could be improved.”

Sir Patrick said in the manifesto: “Communication, consideration and respect are all part of a happy casting process, no matter who the artist is, his or her background, or experience.”

The manifesto encourages those casting for shows, television and films to remember that “talented performers are available throughout the UK, not only in London and the South East”.

Dame Julie, who studied drama in Manchester and began her career at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool, said: “I stand with Equity: we need there to be opportunities for performers living all over Britain.

“Any production should make a concerted effort to audition local performers. Talent is not concentrated in the UK - it’s not confined to a single city. Excellent actors are to be found in all the regions.”

Her words were echoed by Maxine Peake, who began her career acting in production in her native Bolton. She said: “Moving to London shouldn’t have to be a pre-requisite for a successful performer.”