Staff Writer
It seems that Saturday Night Live may be taking their diversity backlash a bit more seriously these days. After poking fun of the criticism when Kerry Washington hosted the popular late night sketch show is taking the steps to broaden the predominately white cast. This weekend two showcases were held in New York and Los Angeles, which a source said is not uncommon for the show to do throughout the year.
The source also added that the plan was always to add a new cast member come January when Seth Meyers would be leaving the show to take over for Jimmy Fallon. It has yet to be confirmed if Meyers will be leaving in January or do double duty until the season ends. I digress, the controversy surrounding casting began in the fall when current cast member Jay Pharaoh was quoted expressing concern of the lack of black females in the cast.
Not surprising since most of the recent hires were white males, with only one female in the mix. Show creator Lorne Michaels told the New York Times that they have 9 women that they plan on in-studio testing.
Here is the list:
Photo courtesy of IMDBErica Ash has co-starred on the FX pilot Death Pact with SNL alum Tracy Morgan.
Photo courtesy of IMDBBresha Webb is an LA Comedienne.
Photo courtesy of IMDBTanisha Long is a cast member of MTV’s Girl Code.
Photo courtesy of TwitterMisty Monroe is a Groundlings cast member.
Photo courtesy of LionsgateGabrielle Dennis is of BET’s The Game.
Photo courtesy of DeadlineAmber Ruffin is a member of Amsterdam-based sketch group Boom Chicago.
Photo courtesy of DeadlineLeslie Jones is a actress and comedienne.
There are also a few UCB Theater performers being thrown into the mix Sasheer Zamata, Natasha Rothwell, and Briana KC.
In-studio testing will happen on Monday with a new cast member set to be added in January. Michaels said that maybe even a second performer could be added. Personally I think the show needs a bit of diversity to shake things up a bit. Studio 8H has been a bit stale lately. We will be sure to keep you posted on any casting news!
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