Search seeks talented Indian comedians, writers

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Sep 1, 2002 by Capital-Journal

The Capital-Journal

A talent search for Indian comedians and writers is coming Oct. 16 to Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence.

The Four Directions Talent Search, the Oneida Indian Nation and NBC will have tryouts in 15 cities in the United States and Canada beginning Oct. 4.

The talent search is open to tribally affiliated Indians who aren't currently under contract with a talent agent or studio. The goal is to increase the presence of Indians in television and on film.

Winners at the tryouts will go to semifinals Nov. 16-17 at the Oneida Nation's Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, N.Y. The finalists will perform Nov. 18 at Performance Space NBC in New York City. NBC representatives judge the competitors.

Last year, more than 100 people tried out at five audition sites with about 10 to 15 people chosen as finalists.

One of last year's finalists, Vanessa Shortbull, won the Miss South Dakota title and will compete in the finals of the Miss America pageant Sept. 21 in Atlantic City, N.J. Another finalist, Jim Ruel, received an invitation to attend a casting call for the NBC series, "Ed."

Mark Emery, director of media relations for the Oneida Indian Nation in New York, said there was no set number of finalists.

Writers are judged separately from comedians, he said. Writers submit their work to be evaluated.

"Native Americans are virtually invisible in the television industry," he said. "This is an opportunity for them to get in front of and behind the camera."

For more information or an application, go to www.fourdirections- talent.com or call (315) 829-8370.