Young Talent, Big Dreams has come to the Coral Gables Miracle Theater. The contest is in its sixth year and its grand prize winner will receive $500 and paid air fare, hotel and free passes for two to attend the live American Idol finale.
The first auditions took place on Feb. 7. Upcoming dates for contestants to prepare for will be Apr. 9, 10 and 17.
Young people ages 8-17 are encouraged to prepare for the event in any of four categories: music, dance, original composition and spoken word.
When asked about the original composition category, Brooke Noble from the Actors’ Playhouse explained that it consisted of a one or two-minute piece which could be a song or poem.
The contestants will go before a panel of judges in a closed audition. Three or four contestants will be chosen from each category to advance to the semi-finals. There, they will perform before a live audience.
The semi-finals will take place at the Miracle Theater on Apr. 30 at 7 p.m. and on May 1 at 3 p.m.
The site of the event changes every year to ensure that different communities can participate.
Noble encourages young people to perform.
“Just the opportunity to stand on a professional stage in front of a panel of judges is a great experience for the kids. It enhances self-esteem, even if the person doesn’t necessarily want to be a pop star,” Noble said.
