9th STL Teen Talent Competition Announces Call For Entries

Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation (FoxPACF) is pleased to announce the 9th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. Registration is FREE and is NOW OPEN ONLINE at foxpacf.org for all performing arts high school students in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Students will be vying for more than $40,000 in college scholarships, cash awards, and prizes as well as performance opportunities. Contestants must be enrolled in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the 2018-2019 school year and must attend a high school/home school within a 50-mile bi-state radius from the Arch.

More than 225 high schools and performing arts organizations in the St. Louis metro area received details about the 9th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. Registration is open through December 1, 2018. Performing arts categories include (but are not limited to): Singer, Actor, Musician, Dancer, Band, Comedian, Magician, Circus Act or Specialty Act--which may include up to six students performing as a group and can perform original or published material. "We hope students who are passionate about the performing arts will register for the competition," said Jim Weidman, President of the FoxPACF Board of Directors.

A "What It's All About" Pre-Registration Seminar will be held in October of 2018 to provide an overview of the entire experience for anyone interested in competing. Once registered, students will also have access to Pre-Competition Workshops that delve deeper into the auditioning process, audition techniques, etiquette, song choice, attire, etc. Registration for all workshops is available online at foxpacf.org.

Judges for both the Preliminary and Semi-final competitions are professionals representing a cross-section of the St. Louis performing arts community and entertainment industry who give constructive performance advice to each act individually. Each round of competition will have a panel of at least

three judges who will adjudicate and advance acts to the next round. Acts will be judged on technical ability, interpretation, stage presence and originality. Professional insight regarding auditioning tips and techniques along with scholarship opportunities throughout every level of the competition benefit for any high school student looking to improve their performance skills and education.

The Preliminary Round will be held in early February 2019 and the Semi-final Round will be held in March 2019. The final competition on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at The Fabulous Fox is a professionally staged production, adjudicated by both St. Louis and national performing arts professionals. This final event is free and open to the public.

In addition to the $8,000 - 1st Place, $6,000 - 2nd Place, and $4,000 - 3rd Place scholarships awarded at the finals, restricted scholarship opportunities to Lindenwood University, Southeast Missouri State University, Webster University and University of Missouri-St. Louis will also be available to students taking part in the competition. Each finalist will also be eligible for unique public performance opportunities within the St. Louis area. Finalists from the past eight years have performed at The Muny, National Dance Week, Taste of Maplewood, Gateway Grizzlies, Shakespeare Festival, Chamber Music Society of St. Louis, Winter Opera St. Louis and The Rising Stars Showcase. Highlights and winning performances from the 2011 through 2018 events are currently posted on our YouTube and SchoolTube channels and provide viewers a glimpse of what the competition is all about.

"We have been thrilled with the response to this event from students, parents, arts organizations and the community. The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation is uniquely positioned to provide the opportunity for students to perform at the Fox and on other stages around St. Louis. We are pleased that we are able to put talented young people in the spotlight," said Mary Strauss, creator of the competition.

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