ABC is making history. For the first time ever in its 19-year history, ABC will present its annual ABC Discovers: Talent Showcases completely virtually.
Two separate showcases will be held – one in New York and one in Los Angeles. These one night showcases will feature hand picked talent performing for ABC’s casting directors, managers, etc. Many successful entertainers actually participated in these events years prior.
Celebrities Who Have Taken Part in the ABC Discovers Showcases
Many recognizable names have taken part. This showcase has served as a launching pad for discovering amazing talent including Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin), Christina Moses (A Million Little Things), Cornelius Smith Jr. (Scandal), Meghan Markle (Suits), Randall Park (Fresh Off the Boat), and Carrie Ann Inaba (Dancing with the Stars) to name a few.
Winners are awarded a one-year mentorship with ABC casting executives. They also receive workshops to continue honing their craft.
Ayo Davis, the executive vice president of ABC’s Talent and Casting had this to say about her many years working with the showcase. “I have been part of the Talent Showcase for 18 of its 19 years, and I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible talent the program has introduced to the entertainment community,” she said. “Discovering an amazing group of performers each year is something that gives me great joy, and this year is no exception. Despite unprecedented times, I am in awe of my team, the actors, writers, directors and editors, and what they achieved under such challenging circumstances. I am excited to premiere our first virtual Talent Showcases with two very impressive casts.”
Who Will Be In the Virtual ABC Discovers Showcase?
Performers Include:
Adam Kaplan (Westport, Connecticut)
Angela Wong Carbone (Syosset, New York)
Anna Uzele (Wilmington, Delaware),
Aury Krebs (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania),
Caitlin Bassett (Clarksville, Maryland),
David Garelik (Sudbury, Massachusetts),
Emilia Suarez (Jacksonville, Florida),
Jamad Mays (Teaneck, New Jersey),
Kalyne Coleman (Richmond, Virginia),
Laura Kariuki (Lenexa, Kansas),
Mark McKinnon (Waldorf, Maryland),
Rolando Chusan (Guayaquil, Ecuador),
Supriya Ganesh (New Delhi, India),
Trevor Salter (San Diego, California),
Usama Siddiquee (Plano, Texas)
Woody Fu (New York, New York).
Angela Wong Carbone showed her gratitude for being part of this amazing virtual casting on Instagram. “There aren’t enough words to describe the gratitude for this enormous opportunity to hone our craft and celebrate diversity!!!!” she said.
Laura Kariuki was also excited to make the announcement to her followers on Instagram. She said, “some exciting news to share!! thank you @abccasting for this opportunity!! feeling extremely grateful💛”
The New York Showcase will stream on Thursday, Dec 3rd and the Los Angeles showcase will stream on Tuesday, December 15th. Tune in. You may just be part of watching history in the making. Use #ABCDiscovers and #ABCTalentShowcase on social media to join in on the discussion.
Courtney Rose is an Entertainment Writer at Feeling the Vibe Magazine based in New York. Pop culture and rom-com obsessed. Studied Journalism and is up to date on all the latest entertainment news. For tips or comments, email me at Courtney@feelingthevibe.com