CBS TO SPONSOR ITS 1st MULTICULTURAL SKETCH COMEDY TALENT SHOWCASE ON JANUARY 24 TO BE DIRECTED BY RICK NAJERA IN ASSOCIATION WITH SAG AND AFTRA

Pictures and Resumes Should Be Sent to AFTRA by November 4

CBS, in association with SAG and AFTRA, will sponsor a talent showcase for multicultural sketch comedians on January 24 in Los Angeles. Executive Producer and Writer Rick Najera ("Mad TV," "In Living Color") will direct the event. "We are thrilled to be working with Rick, the creator, writer and producer of the current Broadway show 'Latinologues.' His special voice and vision are exciting components of this unique diversity showcase. We look forward to bringing together the best talent in the genre," said Josie Thomas, CBS Senior Vice President, Diversity.

Pictures and resumes should be sent to AFTRA, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 9th floor, Los Angeles, Calif. 90036 -- Att: Ron Thomas. The deadline for submissions is November 4. Please note: the showcase is focused on African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander actors and performers with disabilities who should possess extensive sketch comedy experience. Each audition will require a one-minute original monologue.

CBS Entertainment executives, plus casting directors from the Network's primetime and daytime programs, will be on hand at the Showcase -- and an invitation has also been extended to casting directors from production companies that work with CBS. "This event promises not only to introduce casting directors, agents, managers and writers to a talented group of performers but, thanks to Rick�s participation, it will be a one of-a-kind theatrical evening," said Peter Golden, CBS and Paramount Executive Vice President, Casting.

The Network's on-going talent showcases are part of the CBS Diversity Institute, a comprehensive program designed to identify and develop diversity within the writing, directing and talent communities. In addition to the Minority Talent Showcases, currently in their fourth year, the CBS Diversity Institute also includes the CBS Writers Mentoring Program and the CBS Directing Initiative.

Other CBS showcases have included Latino American Talent Showcases in partnership with NOSOTROS, Native American Talent Showcases in association with American Indians in Film and Television, Asian Pacific American Actors Showcases in association with East West Players, African American Showcases in collaboration with The Robey Theatre Company and a showcase for performers with disabilities in association with the California State Media Access Office. More events are planned with these and other groups.

For information regarding the CBS Diversity Institute, please go to www.cbsdiversity.com.