DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY XD CASTING DIRECTORS BEGIN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TALENT SEARCH

Part of Nationwide Search for Actors, Singers and Dancers, Ages 10-17, for Upcoming Disney Channel and Disney XD Series and Movies

Casting directors for series and movies for the kid- and family-targeted channels Disney Channel and Disney XD have begun a talent search throughout the greater Southern California area, visiting elementary, middle and high schools, performing arts schools and academies, dance studios and after school programs in search of new talent age 10-17. Led by casting directors Rosalinda Morales ("Bread and Roses," "La Misma Luna" aka "Under The Same Moon") and Pauline O'con ("24"), the search is part of Disney Channel's and Disney XD's ongoing initiative to find, cast and develop diverse young actors, singers and dancers and provide them opportunities to showcase their talent across Disney platforms.

"Diversity" -- in every sense of the word -- is the guidepost for Disney Channel and Disney XD programming which is seen all over the world. Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Coco Jones are among the many successful young actors discovered via official Disney Channel casting calls.

Judy Taylor, senior vice president, Casting and Talent Relations, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, "Our open auditions allow us to find a range of dynamic new talent and through these non-traditional searches we are able to reach kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to be seen by a professional casting director."

The Southern California talent search is in advance of Disney Channel and Disney XD's annual open call audition held in a new city each year. Details for the next open call will be announced in the coming weeks. Applicants can visit DisneyChannel.com/talentsearch for more information regarding the Southern California talent search and all other upcoming audition opportunities.

For all auditions, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are no guarantees of employment and there will never be any fee to audition for Disney Channel or Disney XD.

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. It is currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world. Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 80 million households via its basic cable affiliates. Disney XD channels are in the UK, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Greece, Turkey, India, Latin America, Japan, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Canada. Disney Channel and Disney XD are part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.