Golden Rainbow Now Accepting Talent Submissions for 28th Annual RIBBON OF LIFE

Local HIV/AIDS nonprofit Golden Rainbow is accepting talent submissions for the 28th annual "Ribbon of Life" spectacular now through Monday, April 28. The fundraising production, hosted by returning emcees TV personality Chris Saldaña and Edie of Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity, will take place in The Penn & Teller Theater at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Sunday, June 22 at 1 p.m.

This year's show, "Big Top," will showcase traditional and contemporary circus-themed and inspired performances. Golden Rainbow encourages singers, dancers, performers, artists and choreographers to audition for a chance to participate in the one-of-a-kind fundraising spectacular.

The casting call welcomes a wide variety of acts that will allow the "Ribbon of Life" directors and choreographers to expand their ideas and imagination. Talent may include solo, duet, small cast (fewer than 10 performers), large cast or montages. All entries must be submitted to Golden Rainbow via hand delivery, mail or email by Monday, April 28 at 5 p.m. Email submissions can be sent to Barry Morgan at barry.morgan@hotmail.com. For a complete list of guidelines and to view the submission form, please click here.

In 2013, "Ribbon of Life" drew in a crowd of 1,424 attendees and raised more than $152,000 to help provide housing and direct financial assistance to the HIV/AIDS community. The extravaganza's theme, "Tributes," paid homage to legendary artists Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel, Billy Joel, The Bee Gees, Stephen Sondheim, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Liberace and Kenny Kerr; NBC's "America's Got Talent;" films "Dirty Dancing," "The Lion King," "Funny Girl" and "Nine;" as well as Nkosi Johnson, a South African child who made a powerful impact on public perceptions of HIV/AIDS and its effects before his death at the age of 12.

"Ribbon of Life" was created 28 years ago by members of the entertainment industry who saw a need for a support system when one of their colleagues was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. To raise awareness and money in order to help fight the disease, entertainers organized a show. The show, then called "Golden Rainbow," led to the creation of the nonprofit organization. The annual event is one of the largest HIV/AIDS fundraisers in the state of Nevada and is Golden Rainbow's main source of revenue.

Tickets and sponsorship packages will be available for purchase in the coming weeks. For more information, please visit www.goldenrainbow.org.