Signature Theatre Seeks Contestants for 2014 SIGNATURE IDOL Competition; Deadline 7/23

Are you the next Broadway or pop sensation? The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA is looking for the next 'Signature Idol,' as the popular Signature Idol Competition returns for one day only during the theatre's annual Open House on August 2nd. Held in Signature's MAX Theatre, the competition enters its fifth year with a panel of three celebrity judges in search of the best undiscovered singers in the DC region.

Signature's artistic staff chooses finalists based on audition videos submitted by the Wednesday, July 23rd deadline. Those interested should upload a video to YouTube and send Signature the link at idol@signature-theatre.org. All are encouraged to apply!

Of the videos submitted for consideration, Signature will select four finalists to compete and perform. The winner of the Signature Idol Competition will then have the opportunity to perform later that same day at the 'Broadway on the Plaza' Finale Concert, one of the most exciting events at the Open House.

Alex Stone won last year's competition by wowing the judges with his rendition of "In These Skies". Previous years' winners include Maggie Roos, Chelsea Pedano and Gabriel Lopez.

Originally envisioned in 2009 as a one-off tour of Signature's brand-new theatre facility in Shirlington Village, Signature's first Open House generated such attention, big crowds, and good fun that the theatre has turned the event into a summer tradition. Eric Schaeffer, Signature's Artistic Director, describes the Open House as "an all-day extravaganza celebrating our community. And the Signature Idol competition has surely become one of the day's highlights. It provides a wonderful platform for undiscovered talent that never ceases to amaze and astound the audience and judges."

Schaeffer takes one of the three judges' seats on the panel this year. He is joined by beloved local TV personality and critic Robert Aubrey Davis as well as a surprise guest.

Signature's Open House will celebrate the very best in musical theatre, drama, and fun on Saturday, August 2nd from noon to 10:00pm. Free and open to the public, this special event is an entire day full of exciting performances, demonstrations, master classes, exhibits, a concert on the plaza, and kids' activities offered both inside and outside the Signature complex. The entire schedule and list of performers will be announced shortly.

'SIGNATURE IDOL' RULES AND GUIDELINES:

• The deadline for video submissions is the end of the day on Wednesday, July 23.
• Applicants can select any musical theatre song. Auditions may be a cappella or with accompaniment. A pianist will be available to accompany finalists.
• Applicants may choose to accompany themselves with an instrument should they deem it appropriate and supportive of their vocal performance.
• Those interested should upload a video to YouTube and send Signature the link at idol@signature-theatre.org.
• You may not apply if you performed at a previous year's 'Signature Idol' competition.
• No one who has been paid to perform previously on the Signature stage may audition.
• Finalists must be available to attend a rehearsal and the Open House on August 2nd.
• Finalists will be notified by email.

Recipient of the 2009 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Signature Theatre is a non-profit professional theater company in Arlington, Virginia dedicated to producing contemporary musicals and plays, reinventing classic musicals, and developing new work. Under the leadership of co-founder and Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and Managing Director Maggie Boland, Signature has presented 38 world premiere productions and is renowned for combining Broadway-quality productions with intimate playing spaces.

In addition to hosting the finest talent from the DC metropolitan area and New York, Signature has been home to such theatre luminaries as Chita Rivera, George Hearn, Hunter Foster, Emily Skinner, Ann Reinking, Marc Kudisch, Judy Kuhn, John Kander and Fred Ebb, Cameron Mackintosh, Terrence McNally, and the company's signature composer, Stephen Sondheim. Since its founding in 1989, Signature has won 90 Helen Hayes Awards for excellence in the Washington, DC region's professional theater and has been honored with 340 nominations.

Signature Theatre is located at 4200 Campbell Avenue (22206) off I-395 at the Shirlington exit (#6). After the exit, blue Signature signs mark the way to the theatre. Free parking is available in two adjacent public garages. For directions visit http://signature-theatre.org/map.htm. For more information: Subscriptions/Groups: (703) 820-9771; Single Tickets: Ticketmaster (703) 573-SEAT (7328); Signature Administration (571) 527-1860.