First casting certification course launched in bid to 'demystify' the craft

The National Film and Television School has launched a new casting certification course billed as the first of its kind, promising to ”demystify” the craft.

Aimed at students seeking a career in casting, it provides a qualification as a certified casting assistant, and is the first accreditation of its kind in higher education.

It will run weekly from NFTS’ London teaching space in Soho’s Golden Square, and is supported by the Casting Directors’ Guild of Great Britain and Ireland.

NFTS director Jon Wardle commented: “We are tremendously excited to be launching this milestone Casting Certificate.

“The NFTS has identified an increasing need within the creative industry and designed a course that will result in job-ready graduates entering the field, trained to the highest standards.

“We look forward to welcoming our first wave of recruits, who are sure to make a lasting impact within the casting world.”

It will be run by casting director Jane Arnell, with fellow CDs Shaheen Baig and Jina Jay leading an advisory board and masterclasses.

Baig said: “There is huge casting demand in the industry right now and it’s important to young people that casting is a viable career option. Casting has felt like an unknown craft, so the course will help demystify it and make it more visible.”

She added: “I also want the casting industry to be properly representative and it’s time for the industry to be more inclusive than exclusive, which it has been for a very long time.”

The first intake of the 24-week evening course will start from September 2020. The application deadline is June 25, 2020.

The course is applicable to casting careers in theatre and television.

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