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To cast your vote, CLICK HERE.
Studio For Performing Arts LA has been nominated for 3 categories in the BroadwayWorld 2022 Regional Awards:
2022 MENASA Diversity Showcase for BEST SPECIAL EVENT
LA Monologue & Song Slam for BEST IMMERSIVE PRODUCTION
Studio Director Walid Chaya for BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY
To cast your vote, CLICK HERE.
A special thank you to our event partners, the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MENASA Diversity Showcase) and the Zephyr Theatre (LA Monologue & Song Slam). Your support is greatly appreciated!
ABOUT THE EVENTS:
☆ 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.
As a recent study by the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition showed, only 1 percent of all television actors are of MENASA descent. Together we strive to change this to a more inclusive percentage.
☆ The LA Monologue & Song Slam premiered to a full house and is a diversity and scholarship program produced by Studio For Performing Arts LA. This program is at no cost to performers and was created as an opportunity to give industry exposure to underrepresented talent.
(Photo: The cast of the 2022 Slam)
Director Walid Chaya hosted the Slam and was accompanied by four Los Angeles TV and film guest judges who gave feedback live on-the-spot following each performance.
The judges included Hollywood Casting Director/Producer Ani Avetyan, Personal Manager Jennifer Yeager, Singer/Songwriter Rawan Chaya and Creative Director/Producer Brice Corder.
The format of the Slam required each performer to present a monologue or song timed to no longer than one minute. After the performances, the audience voted for their favorite performer who received a $100 cash prize. Additional prizes and studio scholarships were awarded to the entire cast valued at up to $600 to each performer.
For more information on upcoming events and diversity initiatives, please join our mailing list.
To cast your vote, CLICK HERE.
