Welcome to United Teens!

United Teens Talent Announced 2009 Cast

With professional coaching and mentors from some of Kalamazoo’s most recognized performing arts institutions (Ben Zylman, Marie Kerstetter, Kathryn Williams, others), United Teens Talent Show provides an amazing result: a talent show of magnificent proportions, featuring area 13-19 year olds from the Kalamazoo area in varied performance disciplines.

 

Now in its fifth year, United Teens Talent strives for diversity in both the cast and the acts.  In most cases, participants befriend other youths they would not otherwise have met.  While many students are drawn to participate as a result of the cash prizes, they glean far more than money.  They learn about themselves and others as they prepare to put on a professional production at the Civic Theatre Auditorium.  “The performing arts—especially music and dance—are a common language spoken by teenagers, no matter where they’re from, where they live, or where they go to school,” said Mary Blakely, show creator and producer.  “It’s amazing to watch these kids…forging bonds that would not have happened otherwise.”  The most rewarding of the results, according to Blakely, is fewer young people participating in unhealthy behaviors over the summer, but instead participating in a scheduled, valuable, arts-related activity.

 

The talent show will be held on August 8 at the Civic Theatre at 7pm, and is free to attend, but tickets are required for entry.  Call 384.0838 for more information.

 

In no particular order, the 2009 cast members are:

Sarah Denick

Lacey Howlind

Alexander M. Ayerdi

Mason Van Lunenburg

Matt Norman

Anthony J. Hamilton

Kaitlin Lubben

Bryton Haden Peery

Theis Cross

Denisha Shaffer

Megan Repyak

Sharee Little

Brooklyn Washington

Jessica Jones

Kaili Doud

Jillian Jones

Jessica Loper

Shequella Sterling

Jasmine Franklin

Ollie Barnes

Bianca Cardona

Kiara Gathing

Trenae Dunigan

Cherell Langford

Holly Jones

How Can I Get Involved?

 

Both solo and group acts may audition. The best acts will win cash prizes; first place $500, second place $400, third place $300, fourth place $200, and a Star Award certificate, winning $100. All performers will receive $50. Winners will also receive a professional demo recording at a local recording studio, professional dance lessons, and other professional coaching appropriate to their performance art.

 

The top performers will be invited to callbacks, which will take place on June 26 and the final cast list will be released shortly thereafter. Coaching sessions for cast members will take place starting on July 17 with rehearsals beginning July 31. Show date is Saturday, August 8 at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre Auditorium at 7 p.m.

 

 

"After two weeks of rehearsals, we'll present a first-rate, ninety minute variety show that will be fabulous," says Coach and Mentor Ben Zylman

Who can audition?

 

"Any teen that has talent! Whether it's singing, playing an instrument, dancing, comedy, juggling or even a magic act, you're invited to audition. After two weeks of rehearsals, we'll present a first-rate, ninety minute variety show that will be fabulous," said Ben Zylman, United Teens Talent Show Director and a noted Kalamazoo actor and director. "It is a wonderful event. Last year's show was terrific and I had a great time working with these performers. It is like no other in this area."

 

Call (269) 384-0838 for more information.

 

Audition Information

 

Auditions each begin at 4pm, and are provided on a first come, first served basis. The 2009 final show will be held at the Civic Theatre Auditorium on August 8, 2009, at 7pm. (Tickets are required for entry, but are available at no charge by calling 384.0838.)

 

Auditions Dates

 

  • Monday, June 15, New Horizon Learning Center, 2708 Heatherdowns Ln (off Gull Rd)
  • Tuesday, June 16, Douglas Community Center or Boys and Girls Club, 1000 W. Paterson St
  • Wednesday, June 17, Portage Public Library, 300 Library Ln, Portage
  • Thursday, June 18, Eastside Neighborhood Association. 1301 E. Main St
  • Friday, June 19, Comstock Community Center, 6330 King Hwy
  • Callbacks, June 26

 

Click here to download your audition form. You may print this, fill it out, and bring it with you to auditions.

 

United Teen Talent is organized by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, and supported by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and the Junior League of Kalamazoo.