CBS makes deals with three performers from its diversity showcase

CBS has signed talent holding deals with three performers from its annual Diversity Comedy Showcase, including one for a key role in the pilot for the spinoff of CBS’ “How I Met Your Mother.”

Drew Tarver, who has appeared on “Animal Practice” and the Web series “Get Up,” has been cast in a ensemble role for “How I Met Your Dad.” The actor is a member of the Upright Citizen Brigade Harold Team.

Also signed to deals were Haneefah Wood, who has appeared in several Broadway productions including “Rent” and “Avenue Q”, and Nico Santos, who has appeared as a recurring panelist on “Chelsea Lately” and has written for “Fashion Police.”

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All three were participants in the annual showcase, designed to introduce minority and gay talent to casting agents throughout the industry. Participants perform in sketches to show off their comedic and musical skills.

The hugely successful program has been responsible for booking more than 1,800 auditions, and almost 500 roles have been cast from those auditions on cable and network shows.

Chloe Wepper, a former showcase performer, has just been cast as a regular in the ABC comedy pilot, “My Thoughts Exactly.”

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