Shenandoah Conservatory’s acting program sponsored a two-hour forum for acting majors with special guest casting director Victor Vazquez, CSA, of X Casting in New York on Friday, Sept. 4. Vazquez and his company are committed to diversity, inclusion and racial justice in both the industry and world. He is the proud son of Mexican immigrants and a graduate, with distinction, of Oxford University. He was named by Theatre Communications Group (TCG) as a 2020 Rising Leader of Color.
Through the forum, Vazquez helped acting majors look at auditioning from the perspective of a professional casting director, helping enhance their understanding of the specifics of the art of auditioning. Also, as an artist who is aware of the realities which exist in our industry surrounding social justice, Vazquez led a vital discussion on tough topics. Assistant Provost for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity and Associate Professor of Music Therapy Hakeem Leonard, Ph.D., MT-BC, joined the discussion online as part of the Q&A.