Got talent? Apply for Fox Valley contest
The Fox Valley Rep Performing Arts Academy welcomes youth who have completed first through 12th grades to apply for the academy's third annual talent contest, "Got Talent?"
Submissions are due Monday, June 8.
This contest provides young people with the opportunity to not only showcase their abilities, but to pursue their dreams in the performing arts. The youth attain experience in performing up onstage in front of an audience and receive critiques of their performance by casting professionals from some of Chicago's biggest theaters and talent agencies. The contest will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, on the Pheasant Run Mainstage. It is free for the public to attend.
Judge Laura Durham is casting assistant for Chicago Shakespeare Theater, known for producing award-winning plays at Navy Pier, throughout Chicago's schools and neighborhoods, and on stages around the world. "This competition is a great way for young people to practice doing what they love," Durham said. "Everyone we saw last year was well-trained, confident, and comfortable on stage, and I'm excited to see everyone's hard work."
Other judges include talent agent Jim McCaffrey of Stewart Talent and casting director AJ Links of Paskal Rudnicke Casting.
Contestants are divided into three categories based on grade level. The first category is for youth who have completed first through fourth grades; the second is for youth who have completed fifth through eighth grades; and the third category is for students who have completed ninth through 12th grades. Contestants have the choice between performing a 1-2 minute monologue or a 1- to 2-minute musical theater song. Participants do not need to be an academy student to apply.
In addition to having the opportunity to possibly be discovered by a casting professional, the top three winners receive prizes. First place includes a value of $500 in prizes including $100 cash, free photo shoot session with Tracy Whiteside Photography, academy class gift certificate, trophy, and tickets to see a Fox Valley Rep Mainstage performance. All non-placing contestants will receive a $25 coupon for an FVR Academy class just for participating.
The application and $35 nonrefundable fee must be submitted online. For information, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/talentcontest.