CBS announced today the launch of the CBS Drama Diversity Casting Initiative, a nationwide program to find new breakout talent for CBS's current series and upcoming pilots. The initiative, which is part of the CBS Diversity Institute, is designed to reach untapped talent across the country, including areas with limited access to industry professionals, and bring them to the attention of casting executives and CBS showrunners, culminating with a Network screen test in Los Angeles. The new initiative builds upon the Network's long-running, successful Sketch Comedy Showcase.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 13, through Friday, Oct. 28, actors 18 and older can submit a self-taped monologue via www.CBSDiversity.com. The initiative is focused on increasing opportunities for people who belong to groups that have traditionally been underrepresented, including African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, LGBTQ actors and performers with disabilities. Actors should possess strong dramatic talent and a technical skill set. CBS casting executives will review all online submissions and make selections for regional callback auditions in Atlanta (Nov. 7-9), Austin (Nov. 3-4), Chicago (Nov. 2-4), Miami (Nov. 10-11) and San Francisco (Nov. 10-11), where the actors will rehearse with casting executives and be put on tape. Following these regional casting sessions, 14-16 actors will be selected to travel to Los Angeles for a Network screen test that will be utilized for casting opportunities for current series, pilot season and beyond.Videos