Tuesday, November 18, 2008

PRESS RELEASE: Tuesday, Nov. 18---Disney/ABC Supporting and Creating Opportunities for Diverse Talent

DISNEY | ABC TELEVISION GROUP'S CASTING DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES

A NEW INITIATIVE AS PART OF ITS 22nd ACTORS SHOWCASE SUPPORTING

AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE TALENT

An Industry First, Actors Will Receive a Network Mentor for One Year

NOVEMBER 18, 2008 - As part of its continuing effort to find and develop culturally and ethnically diverse talent and actors with disabilities, Disney | ABC Television Group's Casting Project will hold its 22nd showcase featuring 11 promising upcoming actors on Wednesday, November 19 in Los Angeles. Casting directors, talent agents and other industry professionals will view a series of one-act performances. The event is produced in partnership with the Disney | ABC Talent Development & Diversity Department, AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Guild), East West Players, Media Access Office, Nosotros, the Robey Theatre and SAG (Screen Actors Guild). The showcase is not open to the public.

An unprecedented industry first, all 11 actors will be assigned a network executive from the Casting Department who will act as their mentor. The mentor will help nurture their talents and provide guidance and advice throughout the year. As in past years, each showcase participant will also audition throughout the year for ABC's current series and pilots.

The talented actors to be featured are Tish Hicks, Bryan Keith, Jenn Liu, Tiffany Lowery, Geno Monteiro, Emily-Grace Murray, Juan Pacheco, Eddy Rioseco, Mylinda Royer, Amol Shah and Ellen Williams. Past participants include Jorge Garcia from "Lost," Carrie Ann Inaba from "Dancing with the Stars" and Monique Gabriela Curnen ("The Dark Night") and ABC's upcoming primetime drama "The Unusuals."

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