Toronto, otherwise known as “Hollywood North,” is home to many popular television phows and films including Degrassi, Kim’s Convenience, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and Chicago.
“Actors Get Reel” is a podcast about the many challenges faced by actors in the Toronto entertainment industry. The hosts of the podcast are Nicole Di Donato, an actor and radio host, and Lindsay Christopher, a casting director and producer.
The first episode tackles the ongoing issue of typecasting, specifically casting people of colour in roles based on stereotypes. The hosts spend a few hours with Richard Walters, a Toronto actor, singer, and dancer on one of his days off. He is best known for his role as Deon “Tiny” Bell on Degrassi: Next Class. Walters shares his experience with typecasting and whether or not he thinks its truly a bad thing.
The hosts also sit down with Leah Ruehlicke, a Toronto casting producer, to hear her thoughts from the other side of the audition table.
There is also a roundtable with Spencer MacPherson, a Toronto actor known for his roles on Reign and Degrassi: Next Class as well as Ameera Siddiqui, a second-year RTA Media Production student and background actor.
Listen to the full podcast below, and tune in to next week’s episode about women in film and television.
Richard WaltersRichard Walters, a Toronto actor, singer, and dancer, shares his experience with typecasting.
MonologueRichard Walters performs a monologue by Denzel Washington from "Fences."
SelfiesHosts Nicole Di Donato and Lindsay Christopher snap a selfie with Richard Walters.
Nicole and RichardNicole and Richard are matching and they didn't even plan it!
Spencer MacPhersonSpencer MacPherson, a Toronto actor known for his roles in "Reign" and "Degrassi: Next Class," talks about how he's always cast as the antagonist.
Ameera SiddiquiAmeera Siddiqui, a second-year RTA Media Production student and background actor, shares her experience doing background on Degrassi.
Toronto Actors(From left to right) Ameera Siddiqui, Spencer MacPherson, and Claudelle Tremblay, join the hosts in studio for a roundtable.
Roundtable Crew(From left to right) Ameera Siddiqui, Nicole Di Donato, Spencer MacPherson, Lindsay Christopher, and Claudelle Tremblay take over the Allan Slaight Radio Institute.
Podcast Hosts Lindsay Christopher and Nicole Di Donato record their VOs in studio.
LindsLindsay Christopher goofing around in studio.
NicWhen you try to look like you're asking a hard-hitting question but your co-host makes you laugh.
Leah Ruehlicke Leah Ruehlicke, a Toronto casting producer, shares her opinion on typecasting from the other side of the audition table (Courtesy: Leah Ruehlicke).
For more behind the scenes footage, check out these videos:
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