Henry Kelly and Bronte Charlotte chat about being actors in a larger,non-conforming bodies, Henry's transition and his experiences being transgender in the creative industries, the casting of trans characters in film, TV and theatre, and the differences between being a 'maker' versus an 'actor'. These conversations around trans casting are really important, and one’s that are still being had within the creative industries. Ultimately, casting cis people in trans roles is taking an opportunity from the actors in the trans community to be seen and heard on our stages and our screens. No matter how talented an actor, or moving a performance, until the representation of trans people on our screens is up there with the white cis heteronormative representation we see all the time, any trans role given to a non-trans actor is a stolen opportunity.

During this episode we discuss:

• [03:09] Dungeons & Daddies, the podcast Henry is listening to
• [04:12] The VCA, travelling solo, spending time together in London
• [08:55] Henry’s history in the creative industries, Showfit and auditioning for the VCA
• [13:17] Theatre making vs. acting, when is it more appropriate to be one or the other?
• [15:53] Coming out as transgender while at drama school, misgendering, casting, and the documentary on trans representation in the media, Disclosure
• [22:53] Cisgender vs. transgender casting in film, TV and theatre
• [29:56] Body politics, casting a plus size actor, anxieties around costume and wardrobe fittings, and society's expectations of beauty
• [36:32] Daily practice, meditation and tarot
• [39:01] The joy of play
• [40:48] GET ON IT: Disclosure, a documentary on Netflix about trans representation in the media

RESOURCES 

• Dungeons & Daddies
  https://dungeonsanddaddies.com
• Showfit
  https://www.showfit.com.au
• Strangers in Between
  https://trafalgar-studios.com/shows/strangers-in-between
• Network
  https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/network
• Sandra Caldwell
  https://nyti.ms/2wbbcRE
• Disclosure
  Netflix

Head over to the @chats.w.creatives instagram page to stay up to date with episodes and guests we have coming up!

Follow our host Bronte Charlotte on Instagram @bronteandsunshine

Follow this week's guest Henry Kelly on instagram @henrykelly_ and check out his website https://www.henrykelly.net/

Produced by Anahata Collective

Music by Rick Scully