{"id":12965,"date":"2026-05-05T15:29:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T15:29:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spotlight.com\/?p=12965"},"modified":"2026-05-18T07:54:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T07:54:11","slug":"dabb-opening-doors-for-global-majority-talent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spotlight.com\/news-and-advice\/the-industry\/dabb-opening-doors-for-global-majority-talent\/","title":{"rendered":"DABB: Opening Doors for Global Majority Performers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Find out about DABB, their impactful Generals Day and apply for the 2026 showcase.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diverse Actors Breaking Barriers (DABB) is an organisation dedicated to removing the gatekeeping that often sidelines <\/span>global majority<\/span><\/a> creatives. Founded by Suraj Shah in 2018, DABB focuses on the logistics of change: putting actors in the room with casting directors, offering personalised career guidance, and expanding industry opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Suraj, alongside senior producer and facilitator Chenise Lynette and Head of Auditions Lauren Douglin, has his sights set on dismantling the obstacles that have historically kept diverse creatives from accessing the performing arts industry. The cornerstone of DABB\u2019s mission to centre global majority talent is their annual <\/span>Generals Day<\/span><\/a>, where <\/span>actors showcase their talent in person to industry professionals.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Spotlight is proud to partner on the event, offering support with recalls during the selection process, as well as complementary memberships for the performers who are selected to participate on the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To showcase their impactful work, we sat down with the DABB team to find out more:<\/span><\/p>\n

Meet the DABB Team<\/b><\/h2>\n

Suraj Shah\u2019s path to creating DABB began with a simple observation: he didn’t see himself. While studying at the Birmingham School of Acting and later moving to London, Suraj felt a profound disconnect between the “diversity” the industry talked about and the reality he faced.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I didn’t see myself represented in the school, the curriculum, or even the methods they were choosing to teach,” Suraj recalls. “Everyone was shouting about it, but no one was doing anything. So, I thought, ‘Let me create it.'”<\/span>
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\n<\/span>DABB\u2019s evolution was solidified when Suraj met Chenise Lynette while they were both studying at Mountview. Chenise, an accomplished actor and facilitator recently seen in <\/span>Shakespeare<\/span><\/i> productions and voice-over work for indie games like <\/span>The Quiet Things<\/span><\/i>, joined the mission in 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a producer, Chenise has been instrumental in expanding DABB\u2019s workshops, bringing a human-centric approach to artist development. “We like our workshops to be personable,” she says. “We always do games and check-ins because we want people to feel settled and relaxed before they perform.”<\/span><\/p>\n

After taking part in the very first General’s Day, actor, writer and comedian Lauren Douglin knew she wanted to be involved. Now DABB\u2019s Head of Auditions, Lauren says, \u201cI\u2019m <\/span>beyond excited to join DABB and advocate for marginalised voices in the industry.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lauren adds, \u201cEver since I slipped on my first ballet shoes at the age of two and graced the stage at the De La Warr Pavilion, I’ve had the privilege of performing globally and uplifting others to reach their full potential.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"DABB's<\/p>\n

Suraj Shah and Chenise Lynette<\/em><\/p>\n

Headshots by Michael Carlo and Kim Hardy<\/em><\/p>\n

How Does DABB Help Actors?<\/b><\/h2>\n

At its core, DABB is a dynamic organisation committed to creating a more inclusive stage and screen landscape. Their mission is twofold: to provide development opportunities for actors and to “demystify” the industry’s power players.<\/span><\/p>\n

How They Make an Impact:<\/b><\/h3>\n