St George actress Andrea Solonge has described her involvement in a diversity showcase organised by the Australian Equity Foundation as a “life-changing experience”.
Ms Solonge, 21, attended Port Hacking High School and has lived in the same St George street for the last 19 years.
She said the country’s “first ever” diversity showcase came about after a report by Screen Australia into television drama found that close to 60 per cent of programs had only Anglo-Celtic main characters.
“LGBTQI characters and those with a disability were also vastly under-represented,” Ms Solonge said.
“I was selected out of 500 applicants nationwide after a successful audition and interview.
“A group of 10 diverse actors, writers and directors were chosen to take part in a six-day program where we worked vigorously on chosen scenes to present to television and film’s key decision makers and influencers; including some of Australia’s best agents, casting agents and network executives.
“The final showcase was held at The Actors Center Australia to a capacity audience of 300 people. More seats had to be added as there wasn’t enough room, proving that Australia is hungry for representation and to see diverse talent shine,” Ms Solonge said.
Bali Padda of the Equity Diversity Committee said each of the selection panels “had a very challenging job choosing these participants from such a large pool of amazing applicants”.
“It is exciting to find the best calibre of screen talent and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, pull them out of the margins and showcase their skills in front of the industry.
“We hope this program is a game-changer that shakes up the industry and feeds historically under-represented practitioners and talent into the pipeline for a truly representative screen industry for Australia."
Ms Solonge, and the other successful participants, will now take part in a mentoring program in association with their respected guilds to help them with their career progression.
“This program was life-changing for me,” Ms Solonge said.
“A strong selection of African female women were chosen, and it was only once rehearsals and development panels began did I realise the industry wants to cast us all for the same kind of roles: but in reality we all couldn’t be more different.
“We were different body shapes, energies, ages, had different upbringings and brought something completely unique and special to our time in Sydney and to the showcase.
“Working with other diverse performers, such as amputee Adam Bowes, and performers from other diverse backgrounds was enlightening and refreshing.
“To see that they were skilled beyond belief, available and ready to work was a gift in itself. I am very excited for Australia’s film and television industry.”
