Photo Flash: Meet UCPAC-Rahway's 2014 Fearless Icon Finalists; Finals Set for 12/14

The final round of the 2014 Fearless Icon Vocal Competition takes place Sunday, Dec. 14 from 7-9 p.m. at Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway NJ. Culled from an original field of 100 hopefuls, the five finalists are Nikki Ashe, Michael Ferlita, Kevin Hack, Kate Pentek and Kara Wilson. Scroll down for photos of the finalists!

On Dec. 14, each competitor will sing one song, and the nine-judge panel will select two final contestants. After hearing one more song from each of the two, the judges'' choice for first place will be announced, and the Best Musical Theatre Voice in New Jersey will be crowned.

Top prize? The winner gets to star in the lead role of their favorite musical theatre show. Fearless Productions, Rahway''s resident theatre company, will purchase full stage rights and present the winner''s chosen play at Hamilton Stage in Summer, 2015.

The winner also receives a headshot package, salon makeover, commercial and advanced acting classes, vocal instruction, management assistance and cash prizes.

"Fearless Icon is about more than just raw talent," says Fearless Productions artistic director Brian Remo. "We want to make sure the winner comes away with tools they need to further their career development."

That development includes mentoring by established performers. Following the semin-final round, each finalist has been coached by Fearless Icon music director Bruce De La Cruz and by one of these music theatre professionals -- Patrick Starega, Christopher J. Guell, Brien McVernon, Khy Garner, Kristin Barber.

"UCPAC is thrilled to host this event," says Union County Performing Arts Center executive director Lawrence McCullough. "A big part of our mission is to help emerging artists. Fearless Icon has created a mechanism that''s going to bring opportunity to a lot of very talented New Jersey performers."

General admission tickets for the final round are $10 and available online at www.ucpac.org, by calling (732) 499-8226 or buying in person at the UCPAC box office, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway NJ.

Photo Credit: Rich Kowalski