On this page
Your Rights
In most circumstances in a casting, audition or interview, you should not be asked questions about your:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage/civil partnership
- pregnancy/maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
These are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you are questioned about any of the above, contact Equity.
If asked about age, for example, you could say:
"My playing range is..."
Or
"Equity advises me not to answer that"
If asked on a form, leave it blank, or write in your playing range.
Either way, report it to Equity. Equity will contact the company and you can remain anonymous.
How to report
Make a note of any information e.g. casting director, name of the studio, production company etc. and/or take photos (if you can) of relevant forms, photos, screens, etc.
Send them to: equalities@equity.org.uk or, in the case of commercials: TVcommercials@equity.org.uk.
Call: 020 7379 6000
We can pursue your concerns without needing to identify you.
It is unlawful to discriminate in the engagement of performers on the grounds of their Protected Characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010.
It is unlawful to discriminate in the engagement of performers on the grounds of their Protected Characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010.
Performers must not be asked for personal information, verbally or in writing prior to or during the audition process. This includes but is not limited to address, personal phone numbers, ethnicity and age except where actual age can and must be identified when casting children and in relation to casting for age restricted products in advertising.
Casting Directors Guild (CDG), Code of Conduct
Equity’s recent Agenda for Change report, our Casting Manifesto and our Creating Safe Spaces campaign are all part of a movement in our industry to put the power back in the hands of the workers. We have rights and there are laws to protect those rights. You can help by letting Equity know of any inappropriate questioning you encounter. It takes time to change a whole culture of behaviour but with your help and Equity behind you change is very definitely on its way.
Maureen Beattie, Equity President
