Casting Guild of Australia and Showcast have announced 20 finalists for their inaugural First Nations Acting Initiative, a new program designed to support and elevate First Nations performers across Australia.
The initiative invited actors aged 15 to 80, from amateur performers to established professionals, to submit auditions, with finalists selected following a national review process led by industry representatives and screen creatives.
Submissions were assessed by a panel including Rob Collins (Total Control, RFDS), producer Greer Simpkin (Sweet Country, Mystery Road), alongside representatives from the Casting Guild of Australia and Showcast.
Twenty finalists selected nationwide
The selected finalists are Ajay Williams, Chenile Chandler, Colin W. Smith, Corey Saylor-Brunskill, Djalu Barsah, Jai Craig-Fraser, Jai Wright, Jamie-Lee Black, Joe Schmidt, Josie Rose Flanders, Koylan Sampi, Mollie Nichaloff, Nestor Jordan, Riley Warner, Ruby May Henaway, Sarah Roberts-Field, Taylor Rayfield, Theo Clarke, Trinity West and Zak Patel.
Each finalist will receive 12 months of free Showcast membership, support connecting with professional acting agents, and an interview opportunity with Anousha Zarkesh (Casting director and CGA representative) and Collins.
Their audition submissions will also remain visible to casting directors nationally for potential future film, television and theatre opportunities.
Industry leaders back future talent
Zarkesh said the response demonstrated the depth of First Nations acting talent emerging across Australia.
“It is so exciting to see the wealth of new talent we discovered from across Australia from our inaugural First Nations Acting Initiative,” she said.
“We hope to support the actors moving forward and intend to run this initiative again this year.”
Collins said the initiative would help strengthen Indigenous representation across Australian screens.
“Seeing the breadth of talent from our mob makes me so excited for the future,” he said.
“This initiative will help put more Indigenous faces and stories on our screens, where they should be.”
Simpkin said the quality of auditions highlighted the strength of talent entering the industry.
“It has been an absolute privilege to watch the auditions for this wonderful First Nations Acting Initiative created by the Casting Guild of Australia and Showcast,” she said.
“What a great depth of talent! I wish the finalists and all those that auditioned the very best with their acting careers.”
Representation opportunities continue beyond finalists
The organisations said all performers who submitted auditions will remain accessible to members of the Casting Guild of Australia through Showcast, ensuring broader exposure beyond the finalist group.
Finalists without current representation may also be introduced to talent agencies through industry connections facilitated by Casting Guild members, with the aim of opening pathways into long-term screen careers
Top Image: Rob Collins