The
news from Hollywood and the television industry lately has focused on the
lack of diversity on the air. Variety reported that NBC President Scott Sassa
was seeking “meaningful diversity” by establishing racial role models
on TV rather than simply adding different-colored faces. Sassa is quoted as
saying, “You not only want to see someone that looks like you on TV,
you want to see someone that is a role model, someone that you want to be
with, someone that you want to be like. That’s what we need to do: Create
diversity models for people, role models that are diverse, that make people
in these minority groups feel good.”
How are Broadway and the theatre in this country different from Hollywood these days? Assuming that we are not speaking of culturally-specific plays nor of ethnic casting in terms of numbers, what role models are being created on stage? Are we reflecting the diverse world we live in and the stories of humanity? Is it possible for actors that are seen playing non-stereotypical, non-traditional roles to be perceived as role models, by audiences of all kinds?
Looking Beyond Labels
I believe that the more people are seen portraying roles that are not defined,
but rather enhanced, by their race/age/gender/sexual orientation/presence or
absence of disability, the more possibilities exist for seeing into the characters’
souls. Though it can be argued that many characters are driven by their race/age/gender/sexual
orientation/presence or absence of disability, the complexity that is attained
by challenging these assumptions can also create great drama. Labels are very
conveniently applied to every human being that walks the face of the earth.
Perhaps if we encourage looking beyond labels, stereotypes and what is expected,
we can stretch tolerance, open minds and encourage seeing each other’s
role-model worthy qualities.
Role Models For All Audiences
Sometimes the story is best told with all labels attached. But if we do not
reflect diversity on our stages, we are not only cheating ourselves of the truth
in mirroring society, we are cheating ourselves of the opportunity to see the
unexpected facets of the storytellers in our plays. Amongst them we may find
role models for all audiences.
You are not powerless, as an Actor, in all this. It’s not a simple solution, but we also can’t be met halfway if we don’t do our share of the travelling. Continue to strive for excellence, then flaunt it by auditioning for the unexpected. Challenge your own perceived and preconceived casting limitations by knocking them down. Be your own role model.
(10/20/99)