10 Actors Perform for Industry and Network Professionals, September 23 at Kirk Theatre
As part of its overall initiative to find and develop actors from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds or with disabilities, the Disney/ABC Television Group Casting Project will hold its next New York Actors Showcase on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23. Ten promising actors will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills to an audience of industry and network professionals during 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. performances at the Kirk Theatre, 410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues.
This latest showcase, the ninth to be held in New York, is spearheaded by Executive Vice President, Casting, Keli Lee; Vice President, Casting, Ayo Davis; Executive Director, Casting, Randi Chugerman; Executive Director, Primetime Casting, Marci Phillips; Manager, Casting, Karen Noble; Showcase Coordinators John Ort and Peachy Pascual; and the New York and Los Angeles casting offices. The event is produced in partnership with AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and Actors’ Equity.
“Advancing opportunities for culturally and ethnically diverse performers, as well as actors with disabilities, is a top priority at Disney/ABC,” Ms. Lee said. “Once again, on the New York stage, we are proud to introduce industry and network professionals to an outstanding group of diverse rising stars.”
The ten actors were selected from more than 7500 candidates who submitted in New York. Many candidates entered the competition through AFTRA, SAG, Actors’ Equity, the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts, or theatre companies and other organizations representing New York’s diverse theatrical community.
Featured actors are Catherine Ann Callahan of Long Island, New York; Kenneth Franklin of Woodhaven, Michigan; Jee Young Han of Walnut, California; Junior Mendez of Weston, Florida; Ayesha Ngaujah of Winchester, Virginia; Nosheen Phoenix of London, the United Kingdom; Miguel Pinzon of Weston, Florida; Veronica Reyes of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Joseph Soeder of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Rob Yang of Chicago, Illinois.
Casting directors, talent agents, managers and other industry and network professionals are invited to attend the series of one-act vignettes to be performed by the 10 actors. Showcase directors are Ted Sluberski and Joe Ward. The showcase is closed to the general public.
The Disney/ABC Television Group’s commitment to discovering and nurturing diverse talent is exemplified through many different programs, including the Casting Project, the Disney ABC Writing Fellowship, Disney ABC Creative Development Program, the Disney ABC/DGA Directing Fellowship, ABC Studios Production Associates Program and The Emma Bowen Minority Internship Program.