Sterling's Upstairs Hosts LA's Next Great Stage Star 2009

Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's, LA's most critically acclaimed supper club dedicated to presenting the best of Broadway stars, Musical Theatre performers and Nightclub artists on a weekly basis, is seeking 18 amateur and/or professional "legit" singers between 16 and 35 years of age to compete for the title of LA's Next Great Stage Star 2009.

Auditions are by appointment only and may be made by calling Michael Sterling & Associates (818) 623-7300, Ext. 2. Auditions will be held between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's, 4349 Tujunga Ave. Studio City, CA 91604 (north of Ventura Blvd. and south of Moorpark St.) Please bring a photo and resume and be prepared to sing a ballad and up-tempo song from a Broadway musical; a timeless standard from the Great American Songbook; a classic retro pop song; a "melodic" contemporary pop song; or a "popera" selection (Pop/Opera i.e. Josh Grobin's material). An accompanist will be provided.

Competition dates are 7:00 - 9:30 pm January 12, 13, 19, 20, 26; and 6:00 to 9:30 pm January 27, 2009.

If selected, a one time entry fee of $120 applies. This third annual, six-night competition will be judged by audience members and a panel of LA's most distinguished entertainment and theatre industry professionals. Contestants will compete each night of the competition with no eliminations until the final competition on January 27. The competition's Finale will culminate in the selection of one winner who will receive a cash prize of $1000 and a paid headlining debut at Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's.

Audience members attending the competition will be subject to an "EC" (Economically Correct) cover charge of $10 per person, and a $10 drink and/or food minimum. Attendance is by reservation only and by calling Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's (818) 754-8700.

Professional Judges include:

Adam Epstein - Tony Award winning Producer (Hairspray, Cry Baby, The Wedding Singer and more)

Allee Willis - Emmy and Grammy Award-winning composer and Tony Award nominated composer (The Color Purple)

James Blackman III - 2008 Ovation Award winner and Executive Artistic Producer/Director - The Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

David Galligan - Lifetime Achievement Los Angeles Ovation Award winner

Ms. Rae O'Day - Producing Artistic Director - Performance Riverside at the Landis Performing Arts Center

Lewis Wilkenfeld - 2008 Ovation Award nominee - Artistic Director/Cabrillo Music Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

Peter Matyas - Associate Casting Director - Michael Donovan Casting (Theatre, TV, Film, Commercials)

Daniel Solis - Casting Director - Disney Entertainment Productions

Bob Garrett - Former Broadway star and distinguished vocal coach to the stars

Steven Dry - West Coast Senior Theatre Agent - Schiowitz, Connor, Ankrum, Wolf, Inc.

Victoria Morris - Executive Vice President - Theatre Talent Agent - Kazarian, Spencer, Ruskin & Associates

Dave Secor - Associate Theatre Agent -The Daniel Hoff Agency

Julio Martinez - Theatre Critic - Daily Variety and KPFK Radio (90.7 fm) - Theatre Critic and Host - "Arts in Review" - Pacifica Radio Network