12th Annual Your Theatrics International Cabaret Contest Sets Judges; Submissions Accepted Through 12/24

The 12th annual Your Theatrics International Cabaret Contest (YTICC) promises a spectacular line-up of talent from all walks of the Australian and New Zealand entertainment industry. The 12th annual event will feature an esteemed panel of judges including Australian film, television, and music theatre star, Mitchell Butel, Artistic Directors of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival, David Read and Neville Sice, President of the Noosa Arts Theatre Liza Park, agent and Founder Emeritus of the event Les Solomon, Artistic Director of the Ballarat Cabaret Festival Graeme Russell, Artistic Director of the Noosa Long Weekend Festival Ian Mackellar, and YTICC Patron Ron Dobell.

Executive Producer Jeremy Youett said, "This contest is about giving artists a platform for exposure to the entertainment industry. The line-up of judges includes some amazing Australian industry leaders in the genre and they have the ability to offer incredible opportunities to entrants that take part. You never know who may show up and what they may be looking for!"

Hosts this year include past YTICC winners and seasoned performers in their own right: in Melbourne, Gillian Cosgriff; in Sydney, Marika Aubrey and Sheridan Harbridge; and in Adelaide, Amelia Ryan, while radio personalities Sam Coward and Mark Darin host our Queensland heats. Guest performers throughout will include Cath Alcorn, Bradley McCaw, Michael Griffiths and 2014 winner Melody Beck, with more surprise guests to be announced.

Tom Sharah, previous YTICC winner said "The International Cabaret Contest was the best professional launching pad I could have asked for. It is a one of a kind competition in terms of exposure, prizes and experience. Winning meant I was able to write and tour my own work, which I still do, and I look up to so many of the other previous winners and contestants. It has really paved the way for the future of cabaret in Australia!"

In 2015, both the Grand Prize winner and runner-up will be eligible to be offered performance opportunities from our Major Festival Partners. These will include invitations to perform at the Cabaret Festivals of Adelaide, Melbourne, Ballarat, and Queensland, as well as the Festival of Voices in Tasmania and the Noosa Long Weekend Festival, which all guarantee flights and accommodation. The Grand Prize winner will also receive the opportunity to present their show on an Australia/Pacific Cruise ship thanks to Grayboy Entertainment, as well as at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, with flights and accommodation for their appearance to the value of $3000 generously contributed by The Ron and Margaret Dobell Foundation. There's a cash prize of $1000 for the winner, a photographic and marketing package from Blueprint Studios valued at $1000, a Music Theatre and Cabaret music and book package from Hal Leonard, as well as tour publicity from AussieTheatre.com which will spotlight the winner's creative process as they develop and tour their show. The runner-up will receive a $500 cash prize, and a photographic package from Blueprint Studios valued at $500.

The contest is open to performers at any point in their career, ages 18+. Submissions close Wednesday December 24 at 5pm AEST. For full contest details, frequently asked questions and more, visit www.yticc.com.

Tickets for all events are on sale now at www.yticc.com. Support the next generation of cabaret talent as they compete to be Australia's next cabaret sensation!

Adelaide Heat:
The Promethean
116 Grote Street, Adelaide SA
Monday - 5 Jan
7:00pm

Brisbane Heat:
Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse
119 Lamington St, New Farm QLD
Wednesday - 7 Jan
7:00pm

Noosa Heat:
Noosa Arts Theatre
163 Weyba Road, Noosaville QLD
Friday - 9 Jan
7:30pm

Melbourne Heat:
The Butterfly Club
Carson Place (Off Little Collins), Melbourne CBD VIC
Saturday - 10 Jan
6:30pm & 8:30pm

Auckland Heat:
The Theatre at ACG Senior
66 Lorne Street, Auckland NZ
Tuesday - 13 Jan
7:30pm

Sydney Heat
Slide Lounge
41 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW
Thursday - 15 Jan
Doors: 7:00pm; Contest 7:30pm
*Dinner and Supper Packages Available

Cabaret Contest Grand Final (Sydney):
The Basement
7 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW
Saturday - 17 Jan
Doors: 6:30pm; Contest 8:00pm
*Dinner and Show Packages Available

Bookings For All Shows:
Tickets for all events NOW on sale
Visit: www.YTICC.com