Your Theatrics International Cabaret Contest Announces Full Lineup; Kicks Off Jan 6

The Your Theatrics International Cabaret Contest (formerly the Australian Cabaret Showcase) has announced a huge line up of judges, hosts, contestants as well as a new Major Partner, ahead of the commencement of the 2014 event on January 6.

Contest Executive Producer Jeremy Youett said, "This year's judging panels includes some of the most respected and iconic leaders of the Australian and New Zealand arts communities alike." They include acclaimed television personality and International Cabaret Contest patron David Campbell, Co-Artistic Directors of The Melbourne Cabaret Festival David Read and Neville Sice, Luckiest Productions Producer Lisa Campbell, actress Delia Hannah, Agent Les Solomon, Chairperson of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Frank Ford, Artistic Director of Harvest Rain Theatre Company Tim O'Connor and entertainer Libby O'Donovan.

2014 Grand Finale judges will include Adelaide Cabaret Festival Producer Torben Brookman, Noosa Long Weekend Festival Artistic Director Ian MacKellar, Entertainment Producer of Slide Lounge Jeremy Brennan, and Ballarat Cabaret Festival Director Graeme Russell.

Your Theatrics is also proud to welcome aboard a new Major Partner in the Tasmania Cabaret Festival. Hosting their inaugural festival in 2014, Artistic Director Paul Kopperman will take part on the Grand Finale panel of judges. The Festival, along with all other Major Partners, will guarantee flights, accommodation, and presentation of the winner's solo show in each respective city.

Hosts and guest entertainers for the Australian heats include previous contest winners including Amelia Ryan, Angela Harding, and Gillian Cosgriff, with acclaimed chanteuse Helen Medlyn stepping up to host the first ever heat in New Zealand. Previous winner Sheridan Harbridge will entertain audiences at the Grand Final, with performances from Bradley McCaw, Toby Francis and acclaimed entertainer Trevor Ashley.

An incredible prize package is once again on offer for the contest winner, with principal support from the Dobell Foundation making possible a $1000 cash prize, as well as flights and accommodation for the winner to travel to the United States to perform at The 2014 New York Musical Theatre Festival. The Cabaret Festivals of Adelaide, Melbourne, Ballarat, Queensland and the Noosa Long Weekend Festival will also guarantee flights, accommodation and presentation of the winner's solo show at their respective 2014 Festivals.

YTICC is also pleased to announce a diverse pool of talent taking to the stage in heats across Australia and New Zealand. The contestants will compete for the largest cabaret prize in Australasia and have been hand picked by a selection committee who assessed all applicants from the largest pool of submissions received in the contests 11 years. They are:

Sydney Heat, 6th Jan: Melody Beck, Natalie Carboni, Jacqui Dark, Tamarind Elkin, Sarah Gaul, Brendan Hay, David Hooley, Ben Hudson, Jaimie Johnson, Ash King, Julian Kuo, Stephanie Morrison, Monique Sallé and Maryann Wright.

Adelaide Heat, 8th Jan: Sally Anderson, Jennifer Degrassi, Megan Doherty, Abby Hampton, Jamie Jewell, James Moffatt, Lindsay Prodea and Sophie Riggs.

Brisbane Heat, 11th Jan: Julie Beard, Toni Brokenshire, Adam Flower, James Halloran, Rachel Head, Bobbie-Jean Henning, Louise Kennedy, Steve Mackay, Dana Musil, Jessica Papst, Nicole Power, Belinda Raisin, Belinda Hanne-Reid, Marcus Skeggs

Melbourne Heat, 13th Jan: AnaLisa Bell, Claire Bowman and Rose Sejean, Michelle Brasier, David Cotter, Aubrey Flood, William Hannagan, Nicholas Hedger, Belinda Jenkin, Rebecca Moore, Karin Muiznieks, Adam Porter, Stephen Valeri, Jenny Wynter.

Auckland Heat, 14th Jan: Ryan Bennett, Claudia Bunker, Caroline Everitt, Dee Gibson, Jane Keller, Jarrod Lee, Joanna Millett, Rebecca Wright.

Each contestant's fate will be decided by a combination of judges scores as well as an audience vote, so support for your favourite contestant could help them become our next Cabaret sensation, going on to win the largest prize package in YTICC history.

The 2014 International Cabaret Contest is set to snowball the career of yet another talented cabaret artist and your support is vital. Tickets for all events are on sale now, so book today to witness the next generation of Australasia's cabaret stars competing for a career-changing prize!

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: www.yticc.com or email info@yourtheatrics.com.

NSW Heat (Sydney):
Slide Lounge 41 Oxford St Darlinghurst NSW
Monday - Jan 6 7:30pm

SA Heat (Adelaide):
The Space Theatre King William Rd, Adelaide SA
Wednesday - Jan 8 7:30pm

QLD Heat (Brisbane):
Brisbane Powerhouse 119 Lamington St, New Farm, QLD
Saturday - Jan 11 7:30pm

VIC Heat (Melbourne):
Bennetts Lane 25 Bennetts Lane, Melbourne CBD, VIC
Monday - Jan 13 7:30pm

NZ Heat (Auckland):
The Theatre at ACG Senior College Rutland Street Auckland NZ
Tuesday - Jan 14 7:30pm

Cabaret Contest Grand Final (Sydney):
The Basement 7 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW
For Dining Options: www.thebasement.com.au or phone 02 9251 2797
Fri - Jan 17 8:00pm Doors open at 7:00pm

Bookings For All Shows:
Heats: Tickets start at $20 Grand Final: Advance Bookings $40 / $45 At The Door*
Tickets Available at YTICC.com.

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