MENASA Diversity Actors Showcase — 2026 Actor Submissions Now Open (Online & Los Angeles)
- Mar 19
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐀 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥, 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐀/𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬.
Submissions are now open for the 4th Annual MENASA Diversity Showcase, an initiative created to help increase visibility for Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Southwest Asian (MENASA / SWANA) actors in film and television.
Despite growing conversations around representation, gaps remain. According to research presented by the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MAAC), 78% of MENA characters on television are portrayed as terrorists, soldiers, or tyrants, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
This guide includes everything actors need to know about how to apply, important deadlines, monologue guidelines, and what to expect if selected.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a MENASA / SWANA actor interested in performing, review the details below and Complete the Registration Form before the registration deadline of April 3, 2026.
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email followed by a second email with a link to download the Actors Handbook, which includes submission instructions and the video upload form. Actors interested in performing in person in Los Angeles can request consideration within that video submission form found in the handbook.
Actors may participate online through a recorded monologue submission or, if selected, perform in person in Los Angeles.
For more information, use the quick links below to jump to the section you need.
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Table of Contents
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MENASA Actor Submissions Open: 4th Annual Diversity Showcase in Los Angeles
Actors of Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Southwest Asian (MENASA / SWANA) descent are invited to submit for the 4th Annual MENASA Diversity Showcase, an industry initiative designed to increase visibility and opportunity for MENASA actors in film and television.
Produced by Studio For Performing Arts LA and the Studio for Performing Arts Foundation, in collaboration with the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, directed by Walid Chaya, gives selected actors the opportunity to perform a one-minute monologue for industry professionals, including casting directors, agents, managers, producers, and other VIPs.
Actors may participate in person in Los Angeles or virtually by submitting a recorded monologue.
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Key Dates
April 3, 2026 — Registration Deadline
All actors must complete the submission form by this date to be considered.
April 12, 2026 — Virtual Monologue Deadline
Actors selected for the virtual showcase will submit their recorded monologue by this date. April 18, 2026 — In-Person LA Showcase
Actors selected for the in-person showcase will be scheduled with an appointment time on this date to perform at the Culver City Theatre.
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Submission Options
In-Person Los Angeles Showcase
Saturday, April 18, 2026
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Culver City Theatre
9500 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Actors interested in performing live may request an appointment time to present their monologue in person for attending industry professionals.
Virtual Submission Option
Actors outside Los Angeles — or those who prefer a virtual option — may submit a recorded one-minute monologue.
Virtual performers will receive instructions after completing the registration form.
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Who Should Apply
Actors of all ages who identify with MENASA / SWANA backgrounds including:
• Middle Eastern
• North African
• South Asian
• Southwest Asian
Applicants must be based in the United States and authorized to work in the U.S. (citizenship or valid work permit required).
Actors at all experience levels who meet these criteria are welcome to submit.
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Monologue Guidelines
Prepare a one-minute monologue that is:
• Family-friendly
• Dramatic or comedic
• From film or television (recommended)
• Original or published material
More details and technical guidelines are included in the Actors Handbook, which will be sent as a download in your registration confirmation email.
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Performer Checklist
To participate, please follow these guidelines carefully:
1. Slate
Start with your first and last name only, then go directly into your monologue.
Your 60 seconds begins immediately after your name.
2. Monologue Length
Monologues will be cut off at one minute, so choose material that fits within the time limit.
3. Choose the Right Material
Select a family-friendly character from film or television that fits your age, type, and personality.
Because most VIP viewers are casting directors and talent agents working in film and TV, contemporary screen material is recommended.
4. What “Family-Friendly” Means
Material should be appropriate for general audiences and free from explicit language, graphic violence, or inappropriate content.
5. Virtual Filming Setup
If submitting virtually:
• Position the camera at eye level
• Frame yourself from chest to just above the head
• Place the character you are speaking to slightly left or right of the camera lens
• Use a clean, non-distracting background
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About the MENASA Diversity Showcase
About The Event
The MENASA Diversity Showcase was created to help address the lack of representation of MENASA actors in film and television.
According to MAAC’s “Terrorists & Tyrants” study, 78% of MENA characters on television are portrayed in stereotypical roles, highlighting the continued need for initiatives that expand authentic representation and access. Additional industry research further underscores this gap. According to USC Annenberg’s Impact Report, 92 of the top 100 films analyzed included no Middle Eastern or North African female characters, reflecting a broader lack of visibility for MENASA women on screen.
The initiative was founded by actor and director Walid Chaya through Studio For Performing Arts LA and the Studio For Performing Arts Foundation, with early support from the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MAAC).
This year’s showcase is presented in collaboration with the Hollywood Arab Film Festival.
Previous showcases have featured dozens of performers and attracted industry supporters including casting directors, agents, managers, and producers from Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC, and beyond.
The event continues to grow each year as a platform to help MENASA actors gain exposure and connect with industry professionals.
Press & News
BroadwayWorld:"Studio For Performing Arts LA, MAAC, Make History With Third Annual MENASA Diversity Showcase"
LA Entertainment Weekly: "Studio For Performing Arts LA Is Turning Acting Training Into Real Hollywood Career"
Past Industry Participants
The following industry professionals have volunteered their time in past years to support this diversity initiative and discover talent through the showcase.
Ali Afshar (Producer, WBD)
Ally Beans (Eisenberg/Beans Casting)
Amy Lord (Eris Talent Agency)
Angela Mickey (Liz Lewis Casting)
Ani Avetyan (Casting Director)
Anne Chapman (Anne Chapman Casting)
April Webster (Casting Director)
Blair Foster (Casting Director)
Cassie Gelfand (DDO Talent Agency)
Charley Medigovich (Carmen Cuba Casting)
Chrissy Fiorilli (Doyle / Fiorilli Casting)
Cindy Schoonover (Eris Talent Agency)
Craig Holzberg (Avalon Artists Group)
Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick (Casting Director)
Denny Sevier (House of Reps)
Elizabeth Benge (Casting Director)
Elizabeth Valenti (McCarthy Abellera Casting)
Elmer Blanco (Avalon Artists Group)
Eloisa Woodruff (Eris Talent Agency)
Erica Bream (Erica Bream Casting)
Erica Arvold (Erica Arvold Casting)
Haley Nelson (Evolve Artists Agency)
Hamzah Saman (Arab American Casting)
Janelle Bernard (Daniel Hoff Agency)
Jason Crow (Casting Director)
John Ort (Casting Director)
Karlee Fomalont (Rori Bergman Casting)
Karyn Casl (Telsey + Co.)
Kendra Castleberry (Castleberry/Murphy/Casting)
Lau Lapides (Model Club Inc & MCVO)
Lindsay Mass (DPN Talent Agency)
Lindsay Brooks (Across The Board Talent Agency)
Lisa Zambetti (Casting Director)
Lisa Pantone (Pantone Casting)
Liz Ortiz (I Aint Playin Films)
Mala Lemnah (5J Management)
Matt Glanser (Aibel/Holbrook Casting)
Melissa Skoff (Melissa Skoff Casting)
Michael Donovan (Michael Donovan Casting)
Mike Mossallam (Freelance)
Mike Page (Day & Page Casting)
Miranda Mattlin (Aspire Talent Mgmt.)
Natalie Kollar (LA Talent)
Paul Sinacore (Casting Director)
Rachel Reiss (Liz Lewis Casting)
Robin Carus (Robin Carus Casting)
Stephanie Klapper (Casting Director)
Sueanne Edan (Tangerine Talent)
Tanya Kleckner (HRI Talent Agency)
Ted Maier (Avalon Artists Group)
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How to Submit
After registering, you will receive two emails:
• A confirmation email once your registration is complete
• A second email with a link to download the Actors Handbook
The Actors Handbook includes step-by-step instructions, along with the link to the video submission form required to participate.
👉 To be considered for the in-person Los Angeles showcase, you must indicate your interest in the submission form when uploading your video (not during initial registration).
• All actors submit a monologue video for online participation using the submission form in the handbook.
• Actors who request in-person consideration will be notified if selected and assigned a presentation time.
Submit your registration here:
After the showcase, all participating actors will receive a list of attending industry professionals. Industry attendees will also receive a database of registered actors, ensuring visibility for both in-person and virtual participants.
The MENASA Diversity Showcase continues to provide a platform for talented actors to perform, connect with industry professionals, and help move the entertainment industry toward greater diversity and representation.