Univision’s Protagonistas kick-off search.

The Univision Network announced is kicking off nationwide auditions for this year’s highly anticipated new reality competition “Protagonistas” (Novela Stars). A production of Univision Studios and Imagina US, the show invites young men and women from around the country to compete for the opportunity to become Univision’s next on-air “Protagonista” and make their onscreen network debut. Nationwide auditions began Friday, July 22 and continue through Friday, September 23 via online virtual castings on Univision.com and through local, in-person auditions in six major U.S. cities and in Puerto Rico. Prior to the audition process, a traveling “Protacápsula” (Protacapsule) will simulate the audition experience in three major U.S. cities where participants will be able to showcase their talent and earn the right to be first in line at the auditions.  
 
Hosted by famed Mexican actor Ernesto Laguardia, “Protagonistas” will look for the country’s most talented men and women as they compete for an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make their onscreen debut in one of Univision’s upcoming network productions. Hopeful young contestants from coast to coast will compete to make it to the top 20, from where only a lucky 12 will make the final cut and move into the exclusive “Protagonistas” studio house in Miami. 
 
The road to stardom won’t be easy as the final six men and six women will need to learn how to live together and endure a number of challenges – from acting and dancing, to singing and hosting. With the guidance of an expert panel of judges, and professional coaches, the contestants will need to demonstrate why they are the next “Protagonista” in a house where friendships and loyalties will be set aside for the ultimate win.
 
Along with the “Protagonistas” panel of judges, viewers will decide on the fate of those eliminated. Every week, contestants will be asked to prove their talent and interpret scenes from some of Univision’s past top novelas. Then the judges will grade them and vote on who they choose to be the lowest performing contestant up for elimination. The second contestant up for elimination will be determined based on how they score in cohabitation and how they get along with other contestants in the house. Then, in nail-biting weekly eliminations, it will ultimately be left up to the audience to decide who gets to stay and who is sent packing.