One of every three people in the United States is a minority, yet TV networks cast predominantly white individuals in their shows. Over the past two decades, African-Americans and Hispanics have taken on many more roles on television. Arab- and Asian-Americans are also taking on stronger roles, though at a lesser rate.
The enrollment of minority students at UF's School of Theatre and Dance program has increased by about 20 to 30 percent in 10 years.
Timothy Altmeyer, an assistant professor of the UF School of Theatre and Dance, predicted that the number of minorities in the fields of acting, modeling, singing and dancing will likely increase.
"My observation is that it is becoming easier, for nontraditional casting has become much more prominent," Altmeyer said. "In the past five years, some of our strongest breakouts, the highest persons, have been African or Latino."
Chinese-American Felix Chai, 20, a junior family youth and community sciences major, aspires to be a dancer and later a choreographer, who travels and teaches workshops. He competed in the World of Dance competition in Chicago last year with the UF Apocalypse Dance Troupe, an all-male, hip-hop dance troupe.
For Chai, dancing is a hobby he wishes could turn into a career. He practices for about 11 hours a week and even more when nearing a competition.
"A lot of the successful dance troupes in America's Best Dance Crew are Asian," he said.
The older Asian community still focuses on studying and getting professional jobs, Chai said. "I have a strict mom who doesn't really accept the fact that I dance," Chai said. "I've never actually told my mom that I truly want to be a choreographer or dancer."
"If I ever had the opportunity to drop school, I would do it," Chai said. "You can always go back to school."
Indian-American junior advertising major Monica Desai, 20, is an actress and model. She graduated from the Lisa Maile School of Acting, Modeling and Imaging while she was in high school.
Her first job as an extra for the movie "Bring It On: In It to Win It" convinced her she should pursue a career in acting. Some of her accomplishments include being in commercials for Verizon, Nutrisystem, Healthy Start and Valencia College.
"It's funny because, although I am completely Indian, my look is actually considered ‘ethnically ambiguous'," she said.
Desai's family is supportive of her acting and modeling career, though her mother always pushes for her to focus on her studies.
"There are also traditional Indian people who believe that my interest in developing a career based on creativity is not realistic," Desai said.
Desai always puts classes first. She has driven to Tampa for an audition and been back in Gainesville in time for class. However, she realizes that a successful acting career is not guaranteed.
"I constantly remind myself that I can do what they do, and better yet, I can do it with a twist of my culture."
Look for Desai and Chai's names in lights some day soon. For now, give them your support!
