Many actors and creatives may have seen the recent issues surrounding the use of Artificial Intelligence to clone peoples work, images, recordings, voices, mannerisms, writing, etc. 
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The huge concern is that unscrupulous companies are doing one off "captures" of people's work, only paying them for one day with no on-going usage rights, and then continuing to exploit that actors recordings/ likeness, mannerisms, voice etc, in any way and as much as they like. 

A heartbreaking example occurred to this actor who was captured for a computer game:

This and many similar incidents, is why, in the USA, the actors union SAG-AFTRA are currently on strike demanding proper protection for creatives. 
Information on the strike can be found  HERE . 
The organization, The Human Artistry Campaign is also campaigning against the increasing use of AI in entertainment to the detriment of creatives work. 
In the UK, the creatives trade union Equity have also released a statement in support of these strikes which you can read HERE 

For UK based creatives, asked to work on a project that will involve the use of Artificial Intelligence technology, please ensure that you carefully familiarise yourself with your rights: You can access Equity's AI toolkit, even if you are not an Equity member, at EQUITY AI TOOLKIT 

Here at the South Devon Players, we will never use AI technologies which may undermine any creatives work, likeness, opportunities for future work, past recordings/ creations etc; and we absolutely do not, under any circumstances give permission for any Artificial Intelligence technology, or organizations/ programmers connected with AI, to harvest any of our images, recordings, text, intellectual property, or those of any creative involved with us, to either use, adapt or train with. 
Should we have reason to believe that this has taken place, we will support our creatives and seek professional advice to get this redressed, to the best of our ability.

We ask all responsible organizations working with creatives, whether professional or amateurs, to take a similar stand, to protect the ongoing livelihoods of creatives. 


_ SDP founder: Laura Jury

Absolutely fabulous start to our rehearsals for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth which is shaping up to be our biggest ever show run. An amazing team of new and returning creatives, met together for the first time to have the initial read through and prepare - as of Wednesday there will be no sitting down, everyone will be on their feet rehearsing the full scenes (acts 1 & 2).

The full cast list is 
Macbeth - Robin Purdie 
Lady Macbeth - Lisa Highton
Witch 1 - Helena Howard
Witch 2 - Grace Halsey
Witch 3 - Millie Francis
Duncan  - Joan Smith
Malcolm - James Hoff
Wounded Captain - Laura Jury
Ross - Kai Botha
Banquo - Emily Swaddle
Lennox (combined with Angus) - Laura Jury
Donalbain - Sacha Spencer
Lady Macbeths servant - Tabitha Epstein
Macduff - Rich Sanbdford
Fleance - Alex Slade
Porter - Sean Phelan
Macbeths servants - Joan Smith, 
Murderer 1 - Rich Sandford
Murderer 2 - Sacha Spencer
Murderer 3 - Joan Smith
Hecate - Elizabeth Ampadu
Apparitions - Alex Slade, Tabitha Epstein, Sacha Spencer
Lady Macduff - Samantha Libby
Young Macduff - Tabitha Epstein
Scottish doctor - Samantha Libby
Menteith - Millie Francis
Caithness  - Tammy Powell
Seyton - Sacha Spencer
Siward - Joan Smith
Young Siward - Alex Slade

Ghosts and crowds made up with members of the cast.