Just two years after creating a theatre awards to recognise the outstanding talent of Black creatives, the team behind the Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) has launched a theatre and film directory for Black creatives, for everyone in the industry to tap into.
The groundbreaking new Black Theatre and Film Directory allows Black creatives and performers to create their own profiles, detailing skills, experience and interests within the theatre and film industries.
Everyone from agents, casting agents, lighting, set and costume designers, directors, choreographers, educators, to performers can sign up and be included in the database, worldwide, enabling better visibility and access to more mainstream productions.
Solange Urdang and Omar F Okai, co-founders / directors of the Black British Theatre Awards, now in its third year, along with the help of Vanessa Fisher, saw the need for the directory, developed it and are now encouraging creatives to sign up to and start using this trailblazing and much-needed directory.
“…this is a natural progression to keep highlighting the phenomenal Black talent from Britain..”
Commenting on the directory, the founders told Melan: “After the success of the BBTAs, this is a natural progression to keep highlighting the phenomenal Black talent from Britain, but now this platform ensures visibility internationally. This directory is a new voice of reference.”
The new theatre and film directory is a ‘go to’ place for Black creatives both on and off screen and the stage, this includes anyone that is of direct or a descendent of African heritage.
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Many West End performers and creatives have already been trialing the directory over the last few weeks and it has been well received and the feedback and support has been extremely positive.
Sharon Henry of Sharon Henry Management said: “I’m so very proud to support the Black Theatre and Film Directory. It is such an extremely important and much needed asset for the Black creative community and everyone [else who works in the industry]. I look forward to working and accessing the exceptional talent that will be readily visible.”
“I intend the magic on stage to be boundless, limited only by the imaginations of the audiences who watch.”
Summarising the importance of inclusivity and the idea behind the directory, West End Theatre Producer Michael Harrison said: “In all the stage productions I produce; I intend the magic on stage to be boundless, limited only by the imaginations of the audiences who watch. If the magic on stage is limitless, then the identities of those who create it should be too. Of course, this takes work and is unforgivingly a leap we need to take forward. I applaud and welcome the existence of The Black Theatre and Film Directory to introduce others to the storytelling of the future.”
Sign up now to the directory here.
Visit the Black British Theatre Awards website.
