Rick Najera to Direct CBS Ninth Annual Sketch Comedy Showcase

Posted on August 3, 2013 Updated on August 8, 2013

CBS will sponsor its ninth annual talent showcase for diverse sketch comedians in January 2014 in Los Angeles. Executive producer and writer Rick Najera (“Mad TV,” “Latinologues” “Nothing Like The Holidays,” “In Living Color”) will again direct the showcase. Fern Orenstein, CBS Vice President, Casting, will again cast and serve as the executive producer for the showcase.

“Every year, Fern Orenstein and Rick Najera continue to exceed expectations as they feature diverse talent of incredible ability in both the actor and writer ranks for industry insiders, culminating in four packed showcases” said Josie Thomas, CBS Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. “As part of our broad based diversity efforts, the CBS Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase has now launched 90 careers as series regulars and recurring roles and continues to be an industry leader for identifying and highlighting diverse comedic talent,” she added.

CBS Entertainment executives, casting directors from the Network’s Primetime and daytime programs, as well as casting directors from shows on other networks, will attend the Showcase. Also an invitation has been extended to casting directors from production companies that work with CBS.

Photos and resumes should be sent to SAG-AFTRA, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (c/o EEO and Diversity Department, Attn: CBS Comedy Showcase). Submissions can also be sent electronically via www.breakdownexpress.com through the “actor’s access” section and the link listed as the CBS Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase.

All submissions should be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, August 16, 2013. Please note: The showcase is focused on African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, LGBT actors and performers with disabilities. Actors should possess extensive sketch comedy experience. Each audition will require a one-minute original sketch comedy monologue consisting of unique characters.

The Network’s ongoing talent showcases are part of the CBS Diversity Institute, a comprehensive program designed to identify and develop diversity within the writing, directing and talent communities. In addition to the Diversity Talent Showcases, currently in its ninth year, the CBS Diversity Institute includes the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, the CBS Directing Initiative and numerous actor workshops conducted nationwide, as well as writer workshops conducted in Los Angeles.

Other CBS showcases have included Latino American Talent Showcases, Native American Talent Showcases, Asian Pacific American Actors Showcases in association with East West Players, African American Showcases in collaboration with The Robey Theatre Company and a showcase for performers with disabilities in association with the California State Media Access Office. Additional events are planned with these and other groups.