The Fifth Annual United Teens Talent Show is managed by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, and supported by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and the Junior League of Kalamazoo. Ben Zylman, Director of Marketing and Development for the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, will direct for the fourth year. The show is comprised of the top 20 acts by local teens. For more information call (269) 384-0838.
The show is an opportunity for students to come together to develop talents, build relationships and cultivate self-esteem. Judges who are professionals in the performing arts field will choose several winning acts and award them cash prizes (as much as $500). Top acts will also receive a professional demo recording.
Once selected to participate in the United Teens Talent Show, students will receive three professional coaching sessions, one at the beginning of the two-week rehearsal process and one at the end of the process. These sessions, which will be designed to help the participants prepare their acts for the talent show, will also help students understand their talents and how they might best be developed.
In addition to the individual acts that the participants will perform in the talent show, all students will be involved in musical numbers that will open and close the show. The two weeks spent rehearsing the music and movement involved in these two numbers will help to create a sense of "team" among the participants. From the very beginning, all participants will be working independently and as a part of something larger than themselves. The show is designed to foster a sense of community and respect among students.
"Being a part of the United Teens Talent Show was one of the highlights of my summer. The friends that I made and the people I met while going through the experience were amazing and I will never forget them. Each and every member of the staff was always kind and helpful throughout the entire production, and the lessons I learned from the truly talented professionals have already made me into a better performer. I recommend this experience to anyone who is looking to make some friends, have some fun, and overall better themselves as a performer."
Alan Smola, magician
"I thought that the United Teen Talent Show was an amazing experience. The competition was really fun but working on the group numbers was my favorite part because everyone was dedicated which made the final project spectacular."
Abbey Brooks, singer
"The Teen Talent Show at the Civic last year was the highlight of my summer. I met some of the most talented kids in the area with the greatest personalities. I learned something new every time we met and I hope it turns out as well as it did last year."
Lacey Howlind, singer
"My experiences being involved and participating in The Teen Talent Show, was more about creating a bond with my peers than winning. What is winning, if while you're going through the process in its entirety, you're not having FUN?"
Travon White, rapper
Rehearsals will begin July 27 and run for two weeks, Monday through Friday. Each participant will receive three coaching sessions with a professional in their chosen discipline. They will also participate in an opening and closing number. The coaching sessions will be held during the day and the opening and closing musical numbers will be rehearsed Monday through Friday from 6:00 to 8:30. These rehearsals will be held at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Participants must be able to attend all rehearsals in order to be considered for the show.
The Talent Show will be held on Saturday, August 8 at 7 pm. There will be a dress rehearsal on Friday, August 7. The show will have one intermission. The show will be staged in the Kalamazoo Civic Auditorium.
Call (269)384-0838 or email info@kalamazooteentalent.com
*If you break any rule:
1st offense: verbal warning
2nd offense: written warning
3rd offense: dismissal
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.