Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre — together with presenting sponsor, The Children’s Trust — has announced the second annual launch of “Young Talent Big Dreams,” the most widespread local youth talent contest in Miami-Dade County.
Children, ages 8-17, will compete for prizes ranging from performing arts scholarships and cash awards to tickets to local attractions and theaters.
Countywide competition began in October, with auditions at local theaters, and concludes with the semifinals and finals in April of 2012. The contest will feature a total of eight categories including: individual song, dance, original spoken word and musical instrument, and group categories of six or less members including show choir, dance, vocal/instrumental and instrumental. Participation is free and limited to residents of Miami-Dade County.
Preliminary auditions will take place in diverse locations throughout Miami-Dade. The semifinals and finals with will take place in April 2012 at the Miracle Theatre, with the finals being performed in front of a live audience during The Actors’ Playhouse Kids Fest Family Weekend. Participants may compete in one individual and one group category only, and those who pre-register will be given priority audition times.
“We are very pleased to work in partnership with The Children’s Trust to present the second annual ‘Young Talent Big Dreams’ talent competition,” said Barbara S. Stein, Actors’ Playhouse executive producing director. “Last year’s event successfully attracted 500 talented young performers with exceptional skill in many art forms.
“We are hopeful that this opportunity prompts self-confidence and continued desire and effort of talented young people to continue to work to realize their goals in the arts, and in life’s experiences,” Stein added.
“Young Talent Big Dreams” is modeled after the many reality TV talent shows that have gained in popularity in recent years. Judges will include a host of local celebrities and professionals from the performing arts community.
Each act will be allotted up to one minute during the preliminary audition performance, and two minutes for the semifinal and final round performance. Two contestants or more in each performance category from each preliminary audition location may be invited to compete in the semifinals and up to three contestants in each category in the semifinals will move on to compete in the finals. There will be a maximum of eight winners and one grand-prize winner chosen during the finals.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Actors’ Playhouse once again to provide children and youth in Miami-Dade County with the opportunity to experience what it is like to perform on professional stages; to work with theater professionals, and to compete for prizes that will grow their skills and talent,” said Modesto E. Abety-Gutierrez of The Children’s Trust. “We received a lot of positive feedback after last year’s competition and we look forward to motivating even more young talent this year to fulfill their dreams.”
Participation in “Young Talent Big Dreams” requires parental consent and is limited to residents of Miami-Dade County. Detailed information including the audition schedule, competition rules, and registration forms, are available at <www.actorsplayhouse. org> or by calling 2-1-1.
