Find out about DABB, their impactful Generals Day and apply for the 2026 showcase.
Diverse Actors Breaking Barriers (DABB) is an organisation dedicated to removing the gatekeeping that often sidelines global majority 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.
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’s mission to centre global majority talent is their annual Generals Day, where actors showcase their talent in person to industry professionals.
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.
To showcase their impactful work, we sat down with the DABB team to find out more:
Meet the DABB Team
Suraj Shah’s 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.
“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.'”
DABB’s evolution was solidified when Suraj met Chenise Lynette while they were both studying at Mountview. Chenise, an accomplished actor and facilitator recently seen in Shakespeare productions and voice-over work for indie games like The Quiet Things, joined the mission in 2022.
As a producer, Chenise has been instrumental in expanding DABB’s 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.”
After taking part in the very first General’s Day, actor, writer and comedian Lauren Douglin knew she wanted to be involved. Now DABB’s Head of Auditions, Lauren says, “I’m beyond excited to join DABB and advocate for marginalised voices in the industry.”
Lauren adds, “Ever 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.”
Suraj Shah and Chenise Lynette
Headshots by Michael Carlo and Kim Hardy
How Does DABB Help Actors?
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.
How They Make an Impact:
- Artist Development Workshops: Ranging from acting pop-ups to industry sessions on casting and voice-over work for video games.
- One-to-One Sessions: Personalised guidance on everything from accent support to career strategy.
- Opportunities Beyond Acting: Providing casting opportunities for voice-over and video games work.
- National Expansion: While London-based, DABB is actively moving into the Midlands, Manchester, and the East of England to break the ‘London-centric’ barrier.
What Is Generals Day?
The jewel in DABB’s crown is Generals Day, an annual event held at the Southwark Playhouse. It’s a completely free opportunity for 26 selected actors to perform in front of a distinguished panel of casting directors for film, TV, voice over, motion capture and performance capture, as well as directors, agents, producers, theatre makers and writers.
Unlike a standard audition, Generals Day focuses on human connection.
- No Self-Tapes: The event is strictly in-person to foster real-life relationships.
- The 10-Minute Timeslot: Actors get two minutes to perform a monologue and eight minutes to talk with the panel.
- The Spotlight Partnership: Through a partnership with Spotlight, eligible participants who don’t have a membership are given complementary access to the platform for a year.
The results speak for themselves. DABB alumni include stars like Ambika Mod (One Day, This Is Going to Hurt), Hannah Khalique-Brown (Black Doves, Dune: Prophecy) and Amena El-Kindy (Les Misérables), alongside countless actors now working in the West End and on major TV networks.
How Can Actors Apply for Generals Day?
Are you a global majority creative looking to break through? Applications for the next Generals Day are now open!
- Deadline: 11 May 2026 at 4pm.
- Who can apply: Any actor from a global majority background (all ages, with or without agents/credits).
- How to apply: Visit the DABB website for the application link and submission instructions.
As Suraj puts it, the goal isn’t just about getting a job – it’s about “a change in the way you see the industry and the way you feel about yourself.”
For more information on workshops and upcoming events, follow DABB on social media or sign up for their newsletter.
