UPDATE: We have extended our open call for applications until January 3rd, 2023, to allow those who would like to participate a little more time to get their forms in. We look forward to workshopping with you all in the new year on this one!

PHOTO CREDIT: Photo taken at a recent Run of The Mill Arts project

Ardán and The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) are excited to present the first round of the All-Abilities casting workshops, facilitated by Aisling Byrne from Run of the Mill Arts! 

Who will the workshop be for? 

This is an opportunity for entry and emerging actors with intellectual disabilities to learn more about the casting process from a casting agent. These informal and accessible sessions will support intellectually disabled performers to learn more about casting and auditions. 

In the sessions, we will work together to explore the stages of casting, discuss audition requirements, and explore the language used in casting for TV and film. 

Some sample topics will be; materials to prepare in advance (including headshots and CVs), practical advice for preparing self-tapes, how to find out about casting opportunities, preparing for auditions, how to avail of any supports you might need, and how to communicate your access needs to casting agents to ensure you have what you need.  

When and where will the workshop be happening? 

Depending on the number of applications, and to ensure that as many people as possible are catered for, the casting workshop may be repeated a couple of times, both online and in-person, from late January 2023. This workshop will be free of charge for participants involved.  

Who can apply to take part in the workshop? 

Entry and emerging actors with intellectual disabilities, who have a keen interest in working in Film & TV* are welcome to apply to take part in the workshop. (*Support persons are welcome to attend and accompany interested performers, as the workshops will also explore the creative supports that may be required in the context of casting and auditioning. These workshops may also be helpful to those people supporting actors with intellectual disabilities to prepare their audition materials.)

How do I apply for the workshop? 

Applicants, or a representative on behalf of the applicant, are asked to fill out the form link, HERE by December 22nd, at 3PM. You will be asked to tell us a little more about yourself and to choose an in-person or online event. Please note the location for the in-person event is to be confirmed but will be in Dublin or Galway. We hope to cater for all applicants, but places, time and dates will be confirmed in early January 2023, depending on the interest we receive. 

Please direct any questions to Eibh Collins at eibh@ardan.ie  

Follow-up workshop for industry professionals 

A subsequent information workshop for industry professionals on casting talent with intellectual disabilities will also be delivered in late January 2023. This informal workshop will be in-person and open to casting agents, writers, directors and producers who are interested in working with talent with intellectual disabilities in an inclusive and accessible way. 

About Run of the Mill Arts 

Run of the Mill makes award winning, inclusive art and provides outreach, training and artistic opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Run of the Mill is committed to creating a platform for the stories, artistic expressions and talents of people with intellectual disabilities across the arts sector in Ireland. We strive to make work of high artistic quality that is entertaining, ambitious, impactful and visible on our stages and our screens. Recent work includes short film Headspace by Aisling Byrne (CIFF 2022, NHFF 2022) and a 2022 National Tour of the award-winning theatre production Making a Mark by Shaun Dunne.  

www.runofthemilltheatre.com