TNT Launches Second Nationwide Search for America's Best Dramatic Actors

TNT Launches Second Nationwide Search for America's Best Dramatic Actors

"Dramatic Auditions" 2005 to Kick Off Oct. 6 in Los Angeles

ATLANTA, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Turner Network Television (TNT), the first and only network dedicated to drama, announces the second annual "Dramatic Auditions," a nationwide search for the most talented, aspiring actors in America. The search will begin in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 6 before traveling to Chicago on Oct. 11 and ending in New York on Oct. 20.

Launched in the fall of 2004, "Dramatic Auditions" is a first-of-its-kind, major off-channel talent search contest conducted in a format similar to traditional dramatic auditions. Last year, more than 3,000 hopeful actors across the country participated in the program by auditioning live or submitting their auditions online or by mail.

The following is a complete schedule for TNT's 2005 "Dramatic Auditions":

Thursday, Oct. 6 Los Angeles, The Music Box @ Fonda Theatre 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 11 Chicago, The Chicago Theatre 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 20 New York, China Club 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Once again, TNT's "Dramatic Auditions" will give dramatic actors the opportunity to select monologues from The New Classics' movies on TNT (a complete list is available at www.tnt.tv) and perform their selected scene live in front of a panel of judges. The winner of the contest will receive $50,000, an apartment in Los Angeles and use of a car for 12 months, acting lessons and a publicist. Focused around serious dramatic acting, "Dramatic Auditions" re-enforces TNT's dedication to drama.

In each of the three cities, a panel of judges will select five semifinalists. If contestants can't audition live in the designated cities, they have the opportunity to mail in an audition tape to 3353 Peachtree Road, Suite 535, Atlanta, Ga., 30326, or submit their audition online at www.tnt.tv. In addition to the 15 semifinalists selected from the live auditions, five semifinalists will be selected from auditions submitted by mail or online. TNT will award each semifinalist $1,000. Contest open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and DC, age 21 or older as of August 30, 2005, who are not under contract with a talent agency or represented by an agent. For Official Rules and information on how to enter, send a SASE to: "Dramatic Auditions Contest," 1050 Techwood Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 or log onto www.tnt.tv.

Nick Mathis, a 21-year-old aspiring actor from Chicago, was selected as the winner of last year's "Dramatic Auditions" program. A panel of judges that included four-time Emmy recipient Dennis Franz called Nick "the complete package" and touted his audition as "stunningly honest." Nick moved to Los Angeles to redeem his prize early this year and, since then, has been working hard to make his dream of becoming an actor come true.

"I'm still amazed that I'm living and working in Los Angeles, taking the classes, meeting the people and learning the real skills I need to make it in this business. I never could have guessed this could happen to me," said Mathis. "I encourage all aspiring actors to give 'Dramatic Auditions' a try -- your audition may be the one! This has been an incredible experience and I thank TNT as well as the judges for giving me this unforgettable opportunity."

TNT will fly the three finalists to Los Angeles for a final audition taping in November. A team of judges will review the finalist tapes and select a grand prize winner who will be announced in December.

Turner Network Television (TNT), television's destination for drama and one of cable's top-rated networks, offers original movies and series, including Into the West, an epic six-week television event from DreamWorks Television and master storyteller and executive producer Steven Spielberg; the detective drama series The Closer, starring Kyra Sedgwick, and the action- packed crime series Wanted, with Gary Cole; powerful one-hour dramas, such as Law & Order, Without a Trace, ER, NYPD Blue, Charmed, Judging Amy and Angel, with Alias and Las Vegas joining the line-up in September and Cold Case coming in October; broadcast premiere movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR and the NBA. TNT is also available in high-definition.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and a leading provider of programming for the television industry.

This information can also be accessed on the official TNT Dramatic Auditions Web site at http:/// www.tnt.tv

Source: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

CONTACT: Neal Wilder of Creaxion, +1-404-495-4512, or neal@creaxion.com; or Michelle Sisco of TNT PR, +1-404-885-4784, or michelle.sisco@turner.com

Web site: http://www.tnt.tv/

------- Profile: Ent