ABC ENTERTAINMENT�S CASTING DEPARTMENT PRESENTS ITS EIGHTEENTH ACTORS SHOWCASE SUPPORTING AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE TALENT

16 Actors to Perform in Los Angeles for Industry and Network Executives on November 8

As part of its continuing effort to find and develop culturally and ethnically diverse talent and actors with disabilities, the ABC Entertainment Television Group�s Casting Project will hold its eighteenth showcase featuring promising upcoming actors. The showcase will take place at the El Portal Theatre Center for the Arts, on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8.

The showcase is spearheaded by Keli Lee, executive vice president, Casting; Ayo Davis, vice president, Casting; Randi Chugerman, executive director, Casting; and the Los Angeles and New York Casting Departments. It is produced in partnership with the Disney�ABC Talent Development Department, AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Guild), East West Players, Media Access, Nosotros, the Robey Theater and SAG (Screen Actors Guild).

�The level of excellence demonstrated by the chosen actors only confirms that there is untapped talent waiting for their opportunity, and we are happy we can provide this every year,� said Ms. Lee.

Sixteen actors were selected from among more than 600 candidates who submitted their resumes and were auditioned. Casting directors, talent agents and other industry professionals will view a series of one-act vignettes performed by the actors and directed by Ted Sluberski and Bennet Guillory. The showcase is not open to the public. Past participants include Jorge Garcia from �Lost,� Nashawn Kearse from �Desperate Housewives� and Sunkrish Bala from �Notes from the Underbelly.�

The actors to be featured are Alfredo De Quesada, David Ely, McKinley Freeman, Jay Hayden, Shauntay Hinton, Shannon Kane, Yaani King, James Kyson Lee, Andres Londono, Robert Ray Manning, Jr., Erlinda Orozco, Babar Peerzada, Lynette Rathnam, Cara Santana, Adam Shapiro and Kim Shively.

The Disney�ABC Television Group�s commitment to discovering and nurturing diverse talent is exemplified through a variety of landmark programs, including The Walt Disney Studios and ABC Entertainment Writing Fellowship, ABC-DGA Directing Fellowship, Casting Project, Talent Development Scholarship Grant Program, Summer Television & Film Workshop at the Institute of American Indian Arts, American Indian National Center for Television and Film, ABC/Touchstone Television Production Associates Program, Directing Assignment Initiative, Animation Apprenticeship, Writers Assignment Initiative, and Writers Assistant Initiative.

For detailed information about these programs or to receive an application, candidates should call the hotline at (818) 560-6894 or go to www.abctalentdevelopment.com.