Paramount has tapped comedian Al Madrigal to host its annual talent scouting event, the “CBS Showcase,” for an audience of industry professionals. This year’s event will focus on standup comedy. featuring Showcase alumni Jared Goldstein, Morgan Jay, Peter S. Kim, Brett Maline, Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola, Gregory Santos, Tien Tran and Mo Welch.
The standup comedy format reps a shift for the CBS Showcase from previous years. This year’s event, set to be held Feb. 1, will benefit charitable organizations chosen by the program’s participants, including The Trevor Project, Feeding America, Parkinson’s Foundation Inc., Poverty Alleviation Chicago: Letters to Santa, Shriners Hospital for Children, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Downtown Women’s Center and Glsen. After the show, there will be a performance from musical guest Fightmaster, the solo project of nonbinary actor and writer E.R. Fightmaster.
2024 Showcase performers E.R. Fightmaster, Morgan Jay, Peter S. Kim, Tien Tran,...
The standup comedy format reps a shift for the CBS Showcase from previous years. This year’s event, set to be held Feb. 1, will benefit charitable organizations chosen by the program’s participants, including The Trevor Project, Feeding America, Parkinson’s Foundation Inc., Poverty Alleviation Chicago: Letters to Santa, Shriners Hospital for Children, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Downtown Women’s Center and Glsen. After the show, there will be a performance from musical guest Fightmaster, the solo project of nonbinary actor and writer E.R. Fightmaster.
2024 Showcase performers E.R. Fightmaster, Morgan Jay, Peter S. Kim, Tien Tran,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
When “NCIS: Hawai’i” airs tonight, it will quietly make a bit of franchise history — via guest star Kurt Yaeger. The episode will complete Yaeger’s full sweep of all four “NCIS” editions, which is believed to be the first time that an actor has appeared on every version in completely different roles.
“Given how long these franchises have been in existence, there will inevitably be some crossover with actors,” said CBS talent and casting exec VP Claudia Lyon. “We don’t have statistics on how often that happens, but I wouldn’t be surprised. There are many actors out there who do one or two of them. But what makes Kurt unique is that he’s done all four.”
But here’s what’s also notable: Yaeger is an actor/writer with a disability, having lost his part of his left leg in a 2006 motorbike accident. And he’s utilizing...
“Given how long these franchises have been in existence, there will inevitably be some crossover with actors,” said CBS talent and casting exec VP Claudia Lyon. “We don’t have statistics on how often that happens, but I wouldn’t be surprised. There are many actors out there who do one or two of them. But what makes Kurt unique is that he’s done all four.”
But here’s what’s also notable: Yaeger is an actor/writer with a disability, having lost his part of his left leg in a 2006 motorbike accident. And he’s utilizing...
- 4/10/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Global has announced the 12 cast members as well as the producing team for the 2023 CBS Showcase. A premiere screening event will be held in Hollywood on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Additional virtual screenings will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Thursday, Jan. 19 at 1 Pm, Pt, 4 Pm, Pt and 7 Pm, Pt.
This year’s cast members include: Adisa Williams, Alise Morales, D.J. Mausner, Evan Mills, Geoffrey James, Jake Szczepaniak, Jetta Juriansz, Joseph Lymous, Lorena Russi, Miya Kodama, Vinny Thomas and Zae Jordan.
The hourlong showcase, designed to spotlight up-and-coming talent, features the actors in comedic digital shorts, sketches and music videos. The show is viewed by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from Paramount brands, as well as other networks and streamers, in addition to talent...
This year’s cast members include: Adisa Williams, Alise Morales, D.J. Mausner, Evan Mills, Geoffrey James, Jake Szczepaniak, Jetta Juriansz, Joseph Lymous, Lorena Russi, Miya Kodama, Vinny Thomas and Zae Jordan.
The hourlong showcase, designed to spotlight up-and-coming talent, features the actors in comedic digital shorts, sketches and music videos. The show is viewed by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from Paramount brands, as well as other networks and streamers, in addition to talent...
- 1/4/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Paramount Global Summit on Disability will be held virtually and in-person at the company’s Hollywood Gower office in Los Angeles on October 31.
Presented by the Paramount Office of Global Inclusion, the daylong summit for employees and external partners will feature discussions with performers from various series and films, company leaders, and philanthropic and nonprofit workers to call attention to the need for greater disability inclusion in media and entertainment. The goal is to engage the industry in their learnings and to share next and best practices.
The event will also honor October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes the essential contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce.
“People with disabilities are responsible for creating some of society’s most beloved films, shows and characters, yet these professionals remain woefully underrepresented in media and entertainment. As we build on our commitment to disability inclusion and equality,...
Presented by the Paramount Office of Global Inclusion, the daylong summit for employees and external partners will feature discussions with performers from various series and films, company leaders, and philanthropic and nonprofit workers to call attention to the need for greater disability inclusion in media and entertainment. The goal is to engage the industry in their learnings and to share next and best practices.
The event will also honor October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes the essential contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce.
“People with disabilities are responsible for creating some of society’s most beloved films, shows and characters, yet these professionals remain woefully underrepresented in media and entertainment. As we build on our commitment to disability inclusion and equality,...
- 10/20/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Historically underrepresented performers will have increased opportunities on television, beginning in the 2022-23 broadcast season, thanks to the CBS Performers with Disabilities Talent Initiative, announced today.
The CBS Network aims to create what it terms “meaningful representation and inclusion for all underrepresented groups, including performers with disabilities.” The opportunities are envisioned in series regular, guest star or costarring roles in current series and pilots, playing characters specifically written with a disability, as well as roles that do not specify one.
Fall Premiere Dates For New & Returning TV Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
“By focusing on professional growth and supporting these performers, this initiative helps to provide opportunities and much-needed exposure in the industry,” said Claudia Lyon, executive vice president of talent and casting at CBS Entertainment. “There are so many talented performers available who are often overlooked and are not being considered for roles, so our goal with this initiative...
The CBS Network aims to create what it terms “meaningful representation and inclusion for all underrepresented groups, including performers with disabilities.” The opportunities are envisioned in series regular, guest star or costarring roles in current series and pilots, playing characters specifically written with a disability, as well as roles that do not specify one.
Fall Premiere Dates For New & Returning TV Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
“By focusing on professional growth and supporting these performers, this initiative helps to provide opportunities and much-needed exposure in the industry,” said Claudia Lyon, executive vice president of talent and casting at CBS Entertainment. “There are so many talented performers available who are often overlooked and are not being considered for roles, so our goal with this initiative...
- 9/9/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS is expanding its representation and inclusion programs to launch a new “CBS Performers with Disabilities Talent Initiative.” The plan, which starts with the upcoming 2022-2023 TV season, is to make sure the Eye network’s programming includes “meaningful representation and inclusion for all underrepresented groups, including performers with disabilities in series regular, guest star or co-starring roles in current series and pilots, playing characters specifically written with a disability as well as roles that do not specify one.”
The new initiative comes following the 2019 Ruderman Family Foundation campaign to increase the audition opportunities for performers with disabilities and improve the portrayal of disabilities in television. CBS was the first network to sign that pledge, to increase the number of roles that cast actors with disabilities.
Now, the new CBS Performers with Disabilities Talent Initiative includes an expanded database of performers with disabilities, which has been created at the network in consultation with advocacy groups,...
The new initiative comes following the 2019 Ruderman Family Foundation campaign to increase the audition opportunities for performers with disabilities and improve the portrayal of disabilities in television. CBS was the first network to sign that pledge, to increase the number of roles that cast actors with disabilities.
Now, the new CBS Performers with Disabilities Talent Initiative includes an expanded database of performers with disabilities, which has been created at the network in consultation with advocacy groups,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
CBS announced Thursday its Performers With Disabilities Talent Initiative in an effort to give historically underrepresented performers increased opportunities on television. The initiative will begin taking effect in the 2022-2023 broadcast season.
The network says it is committed to achieving meaningful representation and inclusion for all underrepresented groups, including performers with disabilities in series regular, guest star or co-starring roles in current series and pilots, playing characters specifically written with a disability as well as roles that do not specify one.
Also Read:
‘Big Brother’ Scores Primetime Wednesday Ratings Win – but Wasn’t the Most-Watched Show
“By focusing on professional growth and supporting these performers, this initiative helps to provide opportunities and much-needed exposure in the industry,” said Claudia Lyon, executive vice president of talent and casting at CBS Entertainment. “There are so many talented performers available who are often overlooked and are not being considered for roles, so our...
The network says it is committed to achieving meaningful representation and inclusion for all underrepresented groups, including performers with disabilities in series regular, guest star or co-starring roles in current series and pilots, playing characters specifically written with a disability as well as roles that do not specify one.
Also Read:
‘Big Brother’ Scores Primetime Wednesday Ratings Win – but Wasn’t the Most-Watched Show
“By focusing on professional growth and supporting these performers, this initiative helps to provide opportunities and much-needed exposure in the industry,” said Claudia Lyon, executive vice president of talent and casting at CBS Entertainment. “There are so many talented performers available who are often overlooked and are not being considered for roles, so our...
- 9/8/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
Viacom CBS has announced the 15 performers starring in the 2022 “Showcase” event.
“Showcase,” an annual variety comedy show spotlighting up-and-coming performers, has served as a launching pad for the careers of numerous stars, such as Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”), Tiffany Haddish (“Girls Trip”), Ego Nwodim (“Saturday Night Live”), Nico Santos (“Superstore”), Drew Tarver (“The Other Two”) and Nicole Byer (“Nailed It!”). Formerly a live theatrical production attended by executives, casting directors and talent agents across the entertainment industry, this year’s Showcase will be a pre-filmed hour of sketch comedy shot on location in Los Angeles.
The 15 performers featured in the 2022 “Showcase” are: Afsheen Misaghi, Allison Reese, Anna Garcia, Anosh Michael McAdam, Austin Antoine, Bri Giger, Carey Cox, Dickie Hearts, Glo Tavarez, Jordan Stafford, Lureena Cornwell, Sahana Srinivasan, Shuang Hu, Sibel Damar and Steve Han.
“These 15 multitalented artists, under the leadership of our exceptional creative team, have put together a...
“Showcase,” an annual variety comedy show spotlighting up-and-coming performers, has served as a launching pad for the careers of numerous stars, such as Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”), Tiffany Haddish (“Girls Trip”), Ego Nwodim (“Saturday Night Live”), Nico Santos (“Superstore”), Drew Tarver (“The Other Two”) and Nicole Byer (“Nailed It!”). Formerly a live theatrical production attended by executives, casting directors and talent agents across the entertainment industry, this year’s Showcase will be a pre-filmed hour of sketch comedy shot on location in Los Angeles.
The 15 performers featured in the 2022 “Showcase” are: Afsheen Misaghi, Allison Reese, Anna Garcia, Anosh Michael McAdam, Austin Antoine, Bri Giger, Carey Cox, Dickie Hearts, Glo Tavarez, Jordan Stafford, Lureena Cornwell, Sahana Srinivasan, Shuang Hu, Sibel Damar and Steve Han.
“These 15 multitalented artists, under the leadership of our exceptional creative team, have put together a...
- 1/26/2022
- by Wilson Chapman and Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
ViacomCBS has unveiled the lineup of the 15 performers set to perform for its 2022 Showcase. The event, which will once again go virtual, will live stream on Tuesday, Feb. 8 and Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. Pt, 4. p.m. Pt and 7 p.m. Pt.
Afsheen Misaghi, Allison Reese, Anna Garcia, Anosh Michael McAdam, Austin Antoine, Bri Giger, Carey Cox, Dickie Hearts, Glo Tavarez, Jordan Stafford, Lureena Cornwell, Sahana Srinivasan, Shuang Hu, Sibel Damar and Steve Han will show off their talent in the pre-filmed hour of sketch comedy and comedic music videos. The show is viewed by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from ViacomCBS properties, as well as other networks and streamers, in addition to talent agents and managers from across the entertainment industry.
The performers, who hail from all across the country, are selected to participate in a month-long virtual writers’ room before traveling to Los Angeles to take part...
Afsheen Misaghi, Allison Reese, Anna Garcia, Anosh Michael McAdam, Austin Antoine, Bri Giger, Carey Cox, Dickie Hearts, Glo Tavarez, Jordan Stafford, Lureena Cornwell, Sahana Srinivasan, Shuang Hu, Sibel Damar and Steve Han will show off their talent in the pre-filmed hour of sketch comedy and comedic music videos. The show is viewed by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from ViacomCBS properties, as well as other networks and streamers, in addition to talent agents and managers from across the entertainment industry.
The performers, who hail from all across the country, are selected to participate in a month-long virtual writers’ room before traveling to Los Angeles to take part...
- 1/26/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
ViacomCBS has selected the 16 performers from across the country for the virtual edition of the 2021 Showcase. The live streaming event will take place on February 17 at 4Pm Pt and February 18 at 1Pm Pt and 4Pm Pt. The February 17 event will be followed by a Q&a with the creative team.
Aline Mayagoitia, Kausar Mohammed, Natasha Behnam, Dev Middleton, Artoun Nazareth, Laura de la Fuente, Ibanda Ruhumbika, Morgan Jay, Asia Martin, Calvin Seabrooks, Lauren Walker, Nicole Pasquale, Andrea Lopez, Sahib Singh, Shannon DeVido and Jordan Mendoza will “showcase” their talent in the annual live hybrid comedy-Broadway-sketch show that started 16 years ago. Showcase, which features all original and creative material, is an event to spotlight diverse talent, Showcase is attended by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from ViacomCBS properties, as well as other networks and talent agents/managers from across the entertainment industry.
From Washington, D.C. to New York City...
Aline Mayagoitia, Kausar Mohammed, Natasha Behnam, Dev Middleton, Artoun Nazareth, Laura de la Fuente, Ibanda Ruhumbika, Morgan Jay, Asia Martin, Calvin Seabrooks, Lauren Walker, Nicole Pasquale, Andrea Lopez, Sahib Singh, Shannon DeVido and Jordan Mendoza will “showcase” their talent in the annual live hybrid comedy-Broadway-sketch show that started 16 years ago. Showcase, which features all original and creative material, is an event to spotlight diverse talent, Showcase is attended by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from ViacomCBS properties, as well as other networks and talent agents/managers from across the entertainment industry.
From Washington, D.C. to New York City...
- 2/2/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
ViacomCBS’ 2021 Showcase is going virtual this year — and they have set the producing team for the annual event that highlights diverse talent in the industry. Tess Paras will executive produce and direct while Tien Tran will serve as executive produce and return as head writer. Frank Garcia-Hejl joins as producer and associate director and rounding out the team is Tyler Davis who will serve as producer and associate head writer. This year’s group of performers and event date will be announced at a later date.
Showcase has developed into a hybrid comedy show with Broadway-worthy live performances and original, creative writing. The show is attended by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from ViacomCBS properties, as well as other networks and talent agents/managers from across the entertainment industry. Alumni of the Showcase include Emmy Award winners Kate McKinnon and Tiffany Haddish as well as Diona Reasonover (NCIS), Justin Hires...
Showcase has developed into a hybrid comedy show with Broadway-worthy live performances and original, creative writing. The show is attended by senior-level executives, showrunners and casting directors from ViacomCBS properties, as well as other networks and talent agents/managers from across the entertainment industry. Alumni of the Showcase include Emmy Award winners Kate McKinnon and Tiffany Haddish as well as Diona Reasonover (NCIS), Justin Hires...
- 1/13/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Casting director Natalie Ballesteros has joined CBS as Director, Talent and Casting. Based in Los Angeles, Ballesteros will work on casting for CBS Entertainment’s primetime and daytime programming, limited series, alternative programs and specials.
Reporting to Claudia Lyon, Evp, Talent and Casting, Ballesteros is Lyon’s second hire since she was named CBS head of casting in July, joining VP Dana Pine. Lyon has been putting her own stamp on the network’s casting department with staffing changes, which included the departure of three longtime executives in October.
“Natalie’s global background gives her a unique and fresh approach to casting for broadcast television,” said Lyon. “Her impressive portfolio of diverse projects gives her a deep knowledge of established and emerging talent. We’re so excited she’s joined our team.”
Ballesteros has cast both domestic and international TV series, as well as feature films during her career.
Reporting to Claudia Lyon, Evp, Talent and Casting, Ballesteros is Lyon’s second hire since she was named CBS head of casting in July, joining VP Dana Pine. Lyon has been putting her own stamp on the network’s casting department with staffing changes, which included the departure of three longtime executives in October.
“Natalie’s global background gives her a unique and fresh approach to casting for broadcast television,” said Lyon. “Her impressive portfolio of diverse projects gives her a deep knowledge of established and emerging talent. We’re so excited she’s joined our team.”
Ballesteros has cast both domestic and international TV series, as well as feature films during her career.
- 1/10/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS Casting Svps Lucy Cavallo & Amy Herzig, VP Katharina Eggmann Exit; Dana Pine Joins Network As VP
Exclusive: Longtime CBS casting executives, Los Angeles-based Svp Lucy Cavallo and New York-based Svp Amy Herzig, are leaving the network.
Herzig most recently served as Svp Casting, East Coast, overseeing casting out of New York. She worked with VP Casting, East Coast, Katharina Eggman, who also is out, leaving CBS temporarily without a New York casting executive.
The departures comes two and a half months after ABC Studios veteran Claudia Lyon joined CBS as Evp Talent and Casting and are believed to be part of Lyon putting her own stamp on the network’s casting department, which she now oversees, with staffing changes.
As part of the changes, which Lyon reportedly started implementing after evaluating the department she inherited from CBS’ longtime Head of Casting Peter Golden, who stepped down in early May, Lyon has made her first executive hire, bringing Dana Pine as VP, Casting.
Pine had most recently served as Senior Manager,...
Herzig most recently served as Svp Casting, East Coast, overseeing casting out of New York. She worked with VP Casting, East Coast, Katharina Eggman, who also is out, leaving CBS temporarily without a New York casting executive.
The departures comes two and a half months after ABC Studios veteran Claudia Lyon joined CBS as Evp Talent and Casting and are believed to be part of Lyon putting her own stamp on the network’s casting department, which she now oversees, with staffing changes.
As part of the changes, which Lyon reportedly started implementing after evaluating the department she inherited from CBS’ longtime Head of Casting Peter Golden, who stepped down in early May, Lyon has made her first executive hire, bringing Dana Pine as VP, Casting.
Pine had most recently served as Senior Manager,...
- 10/18/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
With his company poised to merge once more with fellow media conglom Viacom, CEO Joe Ianniello on Tuesday addressed CBS’ diversity and inclusion efforts.
In a company-wide memo, Ianniello touted recent hires in the news, casting, and television-stations divisions, as well growth in the company’s human-resources and diversity-and-inclusion departments. The chief executive also promised reforms to the recruiting and hiring processes, and wrote that he and Viacom head Bob Bakish — who is set to become CEO of the combined ViacomCBS once the merger is completed, with Ianniello remaining in a senior post overseeing most of the CBS operations — are working in concert on inclusion efforts.
“As you all know, we will soon be joining forces with Viacom, another company that places great importance on diversity and inclusion, and understands the value it brings to business and culture,” Ianniello wrote. “I have spoken with Bob Bakish, and we are aligned in this effort.
In a company-wide memo, Ianniello touted recent hires in the news, casting, and television-stations divisions, as well growth in the company’s human-resources and diversity-and-inclusion departments. The chief executive also promised reforms to the recruiting and hiring processes, and wrote that he and Viacom head Bob Bakish — who is set to become CEO of the combined ViacomCBS once the merger is completed, with Ianniello remaining in a senior post overseeing most of the CBS operations — are working in concert on inclusion efforts.
“As you all know, we will soon be joining forces with Viacom, another company that places great importance on diversity and inclusion, and understands the value it brings to business and culture,” Ianniello wrote. “I have spoken with Bob Bakish, and we are aligned in this effort.
- 8/27/2019
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Mariah Carey is lending her voice — and her songwriting — to ABC’s upcoming “Black-ish” spinoff “Mixed-ish.”
The Grammy-winning artist wrote and recorded a new track for the show’s theme song. “In the Mix” will debut along with the first episode of “Mixed-ish” on Sept. 24 at 9/8c on ABC.
“As a fan of Kenya Barris’ megahit shows, ‘black-ish’ and ‘grown-ish,’ I was inspired to connect with Kenya to find a way we could work together,” Carey said. “As a biracial woman in the entertainment industry, there was no way I did not want to be a part of ‘mixed-ish,’ especially after seeing the pilot, which I loved. I could not be more honored and proud to be writing and performing ‘In the Mix’ for Kenya and the show.”
Also Read: Keke Palmer to Become Third Co-Host on 'Strahan and Sara'
According to ABC, the series follows Rainbow Johnson as she...
The Grammy-winning artist wrote and recorded a new track for the show’s theme song. “In the Mix” will debut along with the first episode of “Mixed-ish” on Sept. 24 at 9/8c on ABC.
“As a fan of Kenya Barris’ megahit shows, ‘black-ish’ and ‘grown-ish,’ I was inspired to connect with Kenya to find a way we could work together,” Carey said. “As a biracial woman in the entertainment industry, there was no way I did not want to be a part of ‘mixed-ish,’ especially after seeing the pilot, which I loved. I could not be more honored and proud to be writing and performing ‘In the Mix’ for Kenya and the show.”
Also Read: Keke Palmer to Become Third Co-Host on 'Strahan and Sara'
According to ABC, the series follows Rainbow Johnson as she...
- 8/5/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
CBS executives defended the network’s portrayals of people of color on the reality shows “Big Brother” and “Survivor” during a heated exchange with critics on Thursday.
Kelly Kahl, president of CBS entertainment, and Thom Sherman, senior vice president of programming, fielded questions at a Television Critics Association panel.
A reporter began the conversation by asking about “Big Brother” cast member Kemi Fakunle — the “only black female cast member” saying that a producer asked her to “act and talk in a more stereotypical way.” The reporter asked Sherman and Kahl whether they planned to “allow this behavior to continue.”
Also Read: Claudia Lyon Leaves ABC to Oversee Talent and Casting at CBS
“We learned that a producer, in an attempt to get a sound bite from one of the house guests, overstepped. That producer was reprimanded and received unconscious bias training, as did all the producers on the show, and...
Kelly Kahl, president of CBS entertainment, and Thom Sherman, senior vice president of programming, fielded questions at a Television Critics Association panel.
A reporter began the conversation by asking about “Big Brother” cast member Kemi Fakunle — the “only black female cast member” saying that a producer asked her to “act and talk in a more stereotypical way.” The reporter asked Sherman and Kahl whether they planned to “allow this behavior to continue.”
Also Read: Claudia Lyon Leaves ABC to Oversee Talent and Casting at CBS
“We learned that a producer, in an attempt to get a sound bite from one of the house guests, overstepped. That producer was reprimanded and received unconscious bias training, as did all the producers on the show, and...
- 8/1/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
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