CBS Corporation

Recognized by many as the industry leader in actor showcases designed to highlight diverse talent, the CBS Diversity Institute Talent Showcases are in their seventh year and are attended by senior level CBS Entertainment executives, as well as showrunners and casting directors from series on CBS as well as other networks and high level talent agents.

Results

To date, across all categories, 289 actors have appeared in the CBS Diversity Talent Showcases and as a direct result there have been 1690 auditions and from those auditions actors have landed 460 roles.

Upcoming Talent Showcases

CBS’ most recent talent showcase was the eighth Multicultural Sketch Comedy Showcase held January 16th & 17th, 2013, at the El Portal Theatre in Los Angeles and filled the house for 4 performances.  22 actors selected from more than 5,000 applicants wrote and performed their own material under the supervision of Director Rick Najera.  The Showcase was produced by CBS Casting VP Fern Orenstein who has been in charge of a variety of Diversity Talent Showcases for CBS since 2002. "The CBS diversity showcase provides an excellent platform for original work in which great talent is exhibited and future stars shine. From the outset of the Diversity Institute in 2002, the showcases have been a critical component and Fern Orenstein’s success in making them a ‘must see’ across the industry is to be applauded.” -- CBS Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Josie Thomas.

Other CBS showcases have included Latino Talent Showcases in partnership with NOSOTROS, Native American Talent Showcases in association with American Indians in Film and Television, Asian Pacific American Talent 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. More events are planned with these and other groups.