CBS Announces Participants in Drama Diversity Casting Initiative

CBS today announced the participants in the Drama Diversity Casting Initiative. The nationwide search garnered over 10,000 submissions and 450 callbacks, culminating in 12 actors traveling to Los Angeles for a Network screen test for CBS's current series, upcoming pilots and beyond.

"The response to this initiative was incredible, and we look forward to working with these talented actors from across the country on their respective screen tests. We are hopeful this opportunity will serve as a launching pad for their careers on CBS and within the industry," said Glenn Geller, President, CBS Entertainment.

The initiative is designed to reach untapped talent across the country and 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.

The 12 participants are:

Alexa Adderley

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Noel Braham

Hometown: Marietta, Ga.

Regina Chen

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Ivan Ellis

Hometown: Lansing, Ill.

Anna Enger

Hometown: Canton, Ga.

Joe Gallegos Jr.

Hometown: Albuquerque, N.M.

The Network's ongoing talent initiatives are part of the CBS Diversity Institute, a comprehensive program designed to identify and develop diversity and inclusion within the writing, directing and talent communities. In addition to the Comedy and Drama Showcases, 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.

The 12th annual Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2017.

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