Breaking into the business: experiences of actors with disabilities in the entertainment industry

The pursuit of an acting career is a difficult one for anybody. However, studies have yet to factor how disability affects casting opportunities. This study describes the employment of actors with disabilities, along with the unique barriers they encounter in the audition and casting process. Actors with disabilities from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) were recruited to participate in focus groups and complete a questionnaire. The results indicate having a disability amplifies difficulties in gaining employment, particularly for females. Participants aged 40 years and over were more likely to work in a lead or supporting role compared to those under 40. Participants identified several barriers to employment in the entertainment industry including industry attitudes about working with actors with disabilities; being restricted to disability specific roles; and fears about requesting an accommodation.