Renowned Ghanaian filmmaker, Ms. Shirley Frimpong-Manso, has formally addressed the prevailing perception that the continued prominence of established actors is impeding opportunities for emerging talent within the entertainment industry. According to Ms. Frimpong-Manso, such a notion is inaccurate and does not reflect the realities of the casting process.
Speaking during a recent interview with Hitz FM, Ms. Frimpong-Manso asserted that the primary challenge facing aspiring actors is not industry exclusion, but rather a pervasive lack of adequate preparation and readiness for professional roles.
Ms. Shirley Frimpong-Manso has further elaborated on the criteria required for consideration in her film and television productions, emphasizing that natural talent alone is insufficient. She noted that prospective cast members—particularly newcomers—must also demonstrate a high degree of discipline, focus, and consistent preparation in order to be seriously considered for roles.
In her words: “I’m not going to cast just because I’m looking for new faces. And then those of the new faces who want this as much as they say they do, they need to be able to track what is happening.”
Ms. Frimpong-Manso cited her own history of identifying and mentoring emerging talent, pointing to examples such as the actor Melvin, who secured a major role in Love and Country after distinguishing himself in a minor part. She also recounted a situation in which she rewrote scenes in order to accommodate the inclusion of Sena, an actress whose stage performance had made a significant impression on her.
Despite her openness to working with less-established actors, Ms. Frimpong-Manso issued a cautionary note: many aspiring performers do not approach auditions with the seriousness and professionalism required, thereby diminishing their own prospects for success.
Ms. Shirley Frimpong-Manso has reiterated the importance of professionalism and preparedness in the audition process, particularly for aspiring actors seeking entry into the industry. Addressing the subject candidly, she stated:
“If I do an audition, you need to come and you need to come prepared. Don’t come in, I give you an opportunity… you say your first few lines, you’ve forgotten your lines. Are you serious?”
She attributed her continued reliance on established actors to their consistent ability to deliver high-caliber performances. Nonetheless, she emphasized that the industry remains open to new talent—provided such individuals demonstrate a commensurate level of dedication, discipline, and readiness.
“We are going to continue to employ the Jackies, the Lydias, the Joselyns because they are actors too… but there’s room enough for new people to come in,” she affirmed.
In a notable expansion of her directorial portfolio, Ms. Frimpong-Manso recently made her stage debut as the director of Honeymoon Hotel, a theatrical production staged at Ghana’s National Theatre from June 20 to June 22. The play, an original work authored by playwright Mr. Stephen Yaw Oppong, was presented under the auspices of the Africa Arts Network.
The three-day event features an ensemble cast of prominent Ghanaian actors, including Ms. Joselyn Dumas, Mr. James Gardiner, Ms. Ama K. Abebrese, Mr. Andrew Tandoh-Adote, Mr. David Dontoh, and Ms. Jasmine Baroudi.#newsafro_
