Media Theatre Holds Delco Idol Auditions Tonight, 5/21

Delco Idol auditions will take place at The Media Theatre tonight May 21 and Wednesday May 23 at 5:30pm. The region’s premiere vocal competition maintains the excitement heading into its eighth season. Past winners include Lauren Cupples and Jack Raymond, both who appear in The Media Theatre’s current production of Broadway’s Tony winning musical Spring Awakening.

Tonight, May 21 and May 23 are also the dates for those hoping to become the next Delco Idol Junior. The youth edition of the contest is for ages 7 to 13, while those 14-24 will be singing their heart out Delco Idol. All ages may audition on the same nights and will be placed in the proper category.

Each summer contest will have 35 contestants culled from the auditions. Jesse Cline, the theatre’s Artistic Director, selects the individuals for the competition. “Each summer I look forward to seeing who auditions,” he explained. “It’s interesting to note which performers we feel can be developed throughout the process, and to watch those who truly have the capability to apply direction to what it is they do.”

After the audition process, Cline chooses those he believes are the ‘brightest and best’ who move on to the actual competition. “Both contests are the perfect combination of our mission of music theatre and education,” he said. “We see young people who are developing an interest in the performing arts and a more mature age group who are studying and learning their craft in some way or another.”

“The opportunity is here for five weeks each summer for performers to have a showcase on Delaware County’s only professional theatre stage,” Cline continued. “It’s always fun for them and for the audience.”

Cline and guest judges rank the contestants each week until only ten are left heading into the final round of the competition.

The winner of each contest receives a cash prize to assist in furthering their education or career along with gift cards. Iron Workers Bank will sponsor the contests for the third summer.

There is a $25 registration fee for the auditions at The Media Theatre on May 21 and 23. All auditioning must bring sheet music for the pianist (Resident Music Director Tom Fosnocht). Any audition song is acceptable for both age groups. There is one main rule for those auditioning: Contestants must live within a 55-mile radius of The Media Theatre to be considered.

For more information, visit mediatheatre.org. You may register online, or register at the door the night of the auditions. No appointments; the auditions are held in order of ‘sign-up’ on May 21 and 23.