DISNEY ABC TELEVISION GROUP'S CASTING DEPARTMENT PRESENTS ITS 20th ACTORS SHOWCASE SUPPORTING AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE TALENT

12 Actors to Perform in Los Angeles for Industry and Network Executives on November 14

As part of its continuing effort to find and develop culturally and ethnically diverse talent and actors with disabilities, the Disney ABC Television Group's Casting Project will hold its 20th showcase featuring promising upcoming actors. The showcase will take place at the El Portal Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14.

The showcase is spearheaded by Keli Lee, executive vice president, Casting; Ayo Davis, vice president, Casting; Randi Chugerman, executive director, Casting; and the Los Angeles Casting Department. It is produced in partnership with the Disney ABC Talent Development Department, AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Guild), East West Players, Media Access, Nosotros, the Robey Theater and SAG (Screen Actors Guild).

"We are excited to continue our tradition of finding untapped talent with this truly noteworthy group of actors," said Ms. Lee. "Every year we are astounded at the caliber of actors coming up through the ranks, and we're proud to have them participate in the showcase."

Twelve actors were selected from among more than 600 candidates who submitted their resumes and were auditioned. Casting directors, talent agents and other industry professionals will view a series of one-act vignettes performed by the actors and directed by Gregg Daniels, Kappy Kilburn and Ivan Shaw. The showcase is not open to the public. Past participants include Jorge Garcia from "Lost," Nashawn Kearse from "Desperate Housewives" and Sunkrish Bala from "Notes from the Underbelly."

The talented actors to be featured are Eliana Alexander, Hillary Baack, Irene Keng, Catherine Kresge, Shvona Lavette, Iman Nazemzandeh, Sunita Param, Catalina Rodriguez, Noah Schuffman, Kunal Sharma, Akeem Smith and Schuyler Yancey.

The Disney ABC Television Group and The Walt Disney Studios strive to create quality content that represents the rich diversity of their audiences, including race, culture and gender, as well as a diversity of ideas, experiences and histories. ABC and Disney's commitment to discovering and nurturing diverse talent, both on- and off-camera, is exemplified through a variety of industry-leading talent development programs including Disney ABC Writing Fellowship, the Disney ABC/DGA Directing Fellowship, the Casting Project, Disney ABC Creative Development Program, the Summer Television & Film Workshop at the Institute of American Indian Arts, the ABC Entertainment Group Internship Program and the ABC Studios Production Associates Program.

For detailed information about these programs or to receive an application, candidates should call the hotline at (818) 560-6894 or go to www.disneyabctalentdevelopment.com.