Michaela Watkins News

Heralding the modern era of comedic improv which begat new generations of film, TV and stage talent, the Groundlings Theatre & School is proudly marking its 40th anniversary this May. The 30-day celebration brings back some classic Groundlings shows as well as the new main stage show, 40 Is the New Groundlings, opening May 2.

USA Network has greenlit the new original Sean Jablonski drama pilot to series with a 10 episode order, including the pilot.

Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, handed out top honors to 12 Years a Slave, Dallas Buyers Club and Nebraska at this afternoon's 29th Film Independent Spirit Awards. Blue Jasmine, Fruitvale Station, Blue is the Warmest Color, Short Term 12, This is Martin Bonner and 20 Feet From Stardom also received awards at the ceremony, which is held in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica.

Jolene Purdy has been tapped as a series regular on USA Network's upcoming courtroom comedy BENCHED. Purdy will play Micah, an intern in the public defender's office.

Oscar Nunez, best known for his role of Oscar Martinez on the long-running NBC comedy 'The Office' has signed on to the cast of USA Network's new series BENCHED.

USA Network has picked-up the ABC Signature and The Mark Gordon Company produced courtroom comedy BENCHED.