Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/48976
sDiversit faces that appear in front of the camera, it's about the unique stories and challenges faced by people with different backgrounds. CASTING A WIDER NET That's also true of people with differing sexual orientation. Although we all face common challenges in relationships, whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) or straight, there are also issues particular to each, and if these characters aren't appearing onscreen, the stories of millions of Americans aren't being told. That was one of the subjects of discussion at an event organized by the SAG National LGBT Actors Committee at SAG headquarters on August 6. At the event, casting director Howard Meltzer offered some advice that could aptly apply to any group: "If you don't feel your story is being told, write it yourself." Think about it. Change doesn't come about by waiting for someone else to act, and who better to tell your story than you? The event also focused on how openly LGBT actors can get more work and find roles playing all kinds of characters — not just LGBT ones. On that point, Jason Stuart, national co-chair of the LGBT Actors Committee, shared an encouraging story. He said a casting director called him for a role on K-11, a production about gay people in prison. Stuart assumed it was for a gay part, but was surprised to discover it was for a straight role. "I thought, 'Hey, man, the times are changing,'" he said. PERFORMERS WITH DISABILITIES Coinciding with National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) released LGBT Actors and Senior Performers panels with casting directors y Jason Stuart moderated an LGBT discussion with casting directors on August 6. The industry as a whole has still not figured out how to have television networks reflect the American Scene its 16th annual Where We Are On TV report. Data provided by the Tri-Union I AM PWD (Inclusion in the Arts & Media of People With Disabilities) campaign showed that characters with disabilities represented less than 1 percent of scripted series regular characters on broadcast network television in the current season. Storylines that feature challenges faced by people with disabilities resonate deeply with the more than 36 million Americans living with an apparent disability, but these stories are too oſten overlooked. This year's Media Access Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. gave center stage to the great work being done by actors with disabilities, AFTRA/SAG Conservatory and KMRC's Diversity and Entertainment Panel in Chicago Hollywood Black Film Festival RJ Mitte (Breaking Bad) and Lauren Potter (Glee) at the Media Access Awards on October 6 HOLA Awards in New York City American Indian Task Force Workshop at South Dakota Film Festival SAG.org Fall 2011 - SCREEN ACTOR 43