This past year per UCLA's Hollywood Diversity Report, there were ZERO MENA Actors as leading actors in films.
Over 65 actors of MENASA descent were virtually screened and performed for an exclusive television and film industry panel last Saturday, part of a diversity initiative produced by Studio For Performing Arts LA (SPALA) and MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MAAC).
The 2nd annual "MENASA Diversity Showcase" was held online on April 30, 2022. Actors of MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) descent were invited to submit and request an appointment. Selected actors had the opportunity to perform a one-minute monologue online for a VIP panel.
MAAC conducted the first ever study of its kind and revealed, "Only 1 percent of TV actors are Middle Eastern, North African." Additionally, just this past year per UCLA's Hollywood Diversity Report, there were ZERO MENA Actors as leading actors in films.
Walid Chaya, Arab-American Actor and Director of Studio For Performing Arts LA, said "We're proud to provide a platform for underrepresented actors and thankful for the industry volunteers and the incredible line-up of actors that presented. Together we can create a more inclusive industry and look forward to growing this diversity initiative annually."
The following actors performed for the industry panet at the 2022 showcase:
Within the last two years, the MENASA Diversity Showcase has provided over 145 actors of MENASA descent a platform for exposure to LA & NY industry professionals at no cost to the performers and was also the WINNER of the 2021 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards for "Best Special Event."
A special thank you to the following television and film VIPs that attended the 2022 event:
Ani Avetyan, Casting Director
Eve Battaglia, Casting Director
Robin Carus, Casting Director
Anne Chapman, Casting Director
David Donihue, Director
Debralynn Findon, Manager
Vicki Goggin, Casting Director
Angela Mickey, Casting Director
Steven Tyler O'Connor, Casting Director
Alexa Pereira, Casting Director
Rita Powers, Casting Director
Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick, Casting Director
Javier Salgado, Manager
Michael Sanford, Casting Director
Paul Sinacore, Casting Director
Pamela Staton, Casting Director
Maria Stuart, Manager
Here are 3 ways you can support the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MAAC), a not-for-profit organization:
1) Please click here and join their MENA Talent Database for related opportunities
2) Follow them on Instagram @menaadvocacy
3) Please click here to make a donation, every little bit helps!
Actors interested in receiving notifications about similar events including next year's diversity initiative, please join Studio For Performing Art LA's mailing list.
For upcoming events by Studio For Performing Arts LA visit studioforperformingarts.com and follow them on Instagram @studioforperformingarts for the latest updates.
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