It's very true there are many hugely talented actors and actresses in Alaska, but the director is under no requirement of "local hire." It's their vision, attend or don't.  

Bigger picture, this recent call that somehow the actor must mirror the character is nonsense. They call it -acting- for a reason. It's a talent and a craft, roles are not an entitlement or jobs program. 

To claim "x" can't play "y" if they aren't of similar external qualities, (particularly as it seems such complaints are always PC one-sided) sacrifices art, and a valid approach to truth via it, on the altar of feelz and virtue-signaling.