Russell Boast, CSA

5-Week Training Program Operations Consultant

Born and raised in South Africa, Russell is an independent Film and Television Casting Director living and working in Los Angeles, CA. He is currently the President of the Casting Society of America (CSA), heading up the organization's Inclusion and Diversity, and Training and Education Committees. He spearheaded, implemented and oversaw three international open calls for Transgender Performers, Performers with Disabilities, and MENASA (Middle Eastern, North African & South Asian) Performers, facilitating the access of close on 3500 actors from these previously "un" and "underrepresented" groups to more than 80 CSA casting director members across the globe. Russell and his committee were awarded the SAG-AFTRA Disability Awareness Award at the Media Access Awards in 2018 for their significant contribution in raising the visibility and awareness of disabilities issues in the broadcast, sound recording, and entertainment industries. He also created and oversees a first-of-its kind training program for diverse candidates interested in pursuing a career in casting, which launched in Los Angeles in 2018, NYC in 2019 and is set to launch in the UK in 2020.