NBC Presents STAND UP FOR DIVERSITY, 12/8

Kendra Carter, Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, NBC Universal (NBCU), announced today that NBCU will present its grand finale showcase that will determine this year's winners of the seventh-annual "Stand-up for Diversity" comic search.  The event, hosted by superstar comedian Russell Peters (2009 Forbes Top-10 highest grossing comic), will be conducted on December 8^th at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood.

Each year, NBC selects three-to-five cities across the country and holds both auditions and live showcases in search of the funniest comics of diverse backgrounds.  This year the search visited New York City, San Antonio and San Francisco.

"NBCU is excited to conclude its seventh year of 'Stand-up for Diversity,'" said Carter.  "Through this initiative, comedians have been able to launch new career milestones.  Since the inception of the program, many participating comics have gone on to sign with top Hollywood managers, agents, and met with leading casting executives.  Top 'Stand-up for Diversity' finalists also had the opportunity to perform at the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) and have booked hundreds of college appearances through NBCU's established partnership with NACA."

"I am literally all about diversity," said Peters. "So I'm pretty honored to be hosting this year's 'Stand-up for Diversity'."

The final showcase will culminate on December 8 at The Comedy Store (8433 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles) at 8 p.m, where the most-promising diverse comedians will be awarded a talent holding deal with NBCU, along with other opportunities.  The showcase will present the entire industry with a first look at the nation's freshest comedic talent.

"Being a finalist of NBC's 'Stand-up for Diversity' definitely opened many doors and presented me with opportunities," said Ian Edwards, the top finalist of the event's 2004 launch.  Since being named one of the top contenders for the first showcase, Edwards has made appearances on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "Bad Boys of Comedy" and "Live @ Gotham."  He also has written for the "Boondocks" and Comedy Central's "Chocolate News," and was a cast member on "PUNK'D."

This year's corporate support is presented by Burrell Communications, Hollywood Reporter, the Sheraton Universal Hotel and Variety.

"We would like to congratulate the 2010 "Stand-up For Diversity" Finalists," said Lewis Williams, Chief Creative Officer, Burrell Communication. "Burrell has always made it a priority to provide support for creative individuals to showcase their talent and skills. We applaud this year's finalists and winners."