NBC Entertainment Talent Diversity Initiative's "Stand-Up for Diversity" Tour

NBC ENTERTAINMENT�S FIRST RUN �STAND-UP FOR DIVERSITY� TOUR IN SEARCH OF AMERICA�S FUNNIEST STAND-UP COMICS OF ETHNICITY CONCLUDES IN LOS ANGELES

�Last Comic Standing�s� Alonzo Bodden to Host �Best of �Stand-Up for Diversity�� Showcase featuring finalists from Chicago, New York and Los Angeles Talent Searches

NBC ENTERTAINMENT'S FIRST RUN "STAND-UP FOR DIVERSITY" TOUR IN SEARCH OF AMERICA'S FUNNIEST STAND-UP COMICS OF ETHNICITY CONCLUDES IN LOS ANGELES

"Last Comic Standing's" Alonzo Bodden to Host 'Best of "Stand-Up for Diversity"' Showcase featuring finalists from Chicago, New York and Los Angeles Talent Searches

BURBANK, CA (September 16, 2004) � NBC Entertainment's unprecedented "Stand-Up for Diversity" national talent search will conclude in Los Angeles at the World Famous Laugh Factory in Hollywood September 28, 2004 with special guest host "Last Comic Standing's" Alonzo Bodden, announced Marc Hirschfeld, Executive Vice President, Casting, NBC Entertainment.

"NBC Entertainment's first run "Stand-Up for Diversity" U.S. search has proven to be an amazing success. Our goal is to expose the entertainment industry to these exceptionally talented and diverse comics and what better place to end with a big finale than Hollywood. I look forward to showcasing the best comics from our Chicago, New York and Los Angeles showcases," said Hirschfeld.

The "Stand-Up for Diversity" Los Angeles search begins Monday September 27 at 10:00 a.m. with an open call for the West Coast's funniest stand-up comics of ethnicity. Only the first 100 comedians will be seen and early attendance is strongly recommended. The World Famous Laugh Factory is located at 8001 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90046 (www.laughfactory.com).

A group of finalists will be selected from the open call in Los Angeles and asked to return for the 'Best of "Stand-Up for Diversity" showcase on Tuesday, September 28 at 7:00 p.m. alongside top comics discovered through the Chicago and New York regional open calls. The finalists will perform for key Hollywood executives, casting directors, producers, agents and managers. The showcase is free with open seats available to the general public who are encouraged to come out and support their local talent, RSVP's not required but highly recommended (818) 840-6530.

As Part of NBC's ongoing commitment to diversity, both off and on camera, NBC Talent Diversity Initiative was created to promote on-camera diversity through community involvement and development, showcase non-traditional casting choices and create programs to raise awareness at NBC and within the entire entertainment community. For more information go to www.nbcjobs.com and click on "Talent Diversity Initiative."