BWW News: SENIOR STAR SEARCH Set in LA for July 12

Actress/producer/motivational speaker/champion of senior causes Jackie Goldberg, known more popularly as the Pink Lady and 'Pink' to her friends, has come up with yet another fantastic idea to help promote a permanent senior entertainment theatre company in greater Los Angeles. The event is appropriately entitled Senior Star Search, a senior competition that will be held on Sunday July 12 at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre at Barnsdall Park, Hollywood. Co-producing the event will be actress/singer/humanitarian Barbara Van Orden, known for her exciting Las Vegas night club act as well as being sponsor/co-executive producer of LA's Next Great Stage Star held annually at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal in North Hollywood. Goldberg and Van Orden as co-producers of Senior Star Search wish to bring more active, motivated seniors into local live entertainment. They are hopeful that more than 200 interested entertainers 55 or older will come forth to audition for the event on May 23rd and 24th.

According to the recent Census Bureau report, there are now more Americans age 55 and older than at any other time in U.S. history. Exceeding 55 million nationwide, they are more active than ever and the industry of entertainment has come to realize their value in the consumer market, as celebrated names such as Betty White (93), Carol Channing (94), Tony Bennett(88), Angela Lansbury (89), Theodore Bikel (91) and even Patricia Morison (100) are still appearing, by popular demand, center stage, in film and on television with an ever growing fan base.

With names such as Cloris Leachman (89), Florence Henderson (81) and Valerie Harper (75) stealing the show on programs such as Dancing With The Stars, and Dori Berinstein's musical Gotta Dance, featuring performers over 55 headed to Broadway, the idea of creating a Senior Star Search seems right on schedule.

May is Older Americans Month, so what better time to hold auditions for the event? They will be held May 23rd and 24th and are by appointment only (see info below).

The final competition on July 12 will have an illustrious panel of judges including director/choreographer Michael Kelly, celebrated director David Galligan and Academy Award winning triple threat actor/singer/dancer George Chakiris.

Among the celebrated members of the entertainment community voicing support are Debbie Reynolds, Kirk Douglas and Carol Channing. Channing says it best:'

"Growing up in the Church of Christian Science, age was never an important factor to me ... However, apparently it is to the rest of the world. It's nice to know there are others in this world like Pink and Barbara who encourage us to celebrate the contributions that seniors bring to society."

Senior Star Search will encompass singers, dancers, comedians and variety acts and those participating must be 55 years young and over. Winners of the contest on July 12 will receive monetary awards, performance opportunities, professional headshots, access to entertainment workshops and overall publicity and industry exposure.

Call 818-400-2701 today for your audition on Saturday May 23 or Sunday May 24! Or e-mail pinklady7@earthlink.net Remember seniors, THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON YOU!