Saturday Night Live had completed its annual casting showcases and begun contacting performers about the next stage of auditions, Deadline reported in an August 20 update. Trenton Mason and Saidah Belo-Osagie were among the comedians its sources said would advance to screen tests. The report did not present those auditions as confirmed cast appointments, and representatives for the NBC programme had not responded to requests for comment. Deadline described showcases held across Los Angeles, Chicago and New York as the show searched for talent for season 52. A Los Angeles character showcase took place on August 6, followed by Chicago events at Annoyance Theatre and The iO Theater on August 10 and 11. The publication said the fifth and final showcase had concluded on the Tuesday before its original August 19 report. At that point, the principal announced cast change was Chloe Fineman’s departure after seven seasons. Deadline attributed that move to her decision to concentrate on acting and other professional opportunities.