Stars of Tomorrow scholarship program auditions Oct. 19
One day, years from now, you might just see one of these boys and girls on the stage.
Each year, the Cape Coral Council for Arts and Humanities celebrates the most talented youth of Southwest Florida by sponsoring the Stars of Tomorrow scholarship program held at the Cultural Park Community Theater.
More than $2,600 in prizes and scholarships will be awarded to the best dancers and dancers for kids of all ages.
The CCCAH, led by president June Sommerfield, will hold its 22nd annual program in December, with auditions beginning next week.
The competitions will be held Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. Winners will perform and be presented their awards at the command performance on Dec. 15 at 3 p.m.
“This program is designed to give youth encouragement. They face so many challenges, so we’re trying to give them an outlet to develop themselves in a positive way,” Sommerfield said. “That’s with the arts and humanities.”
All Southwest Florida students are invited to enter. A panel of five judges will judge for this year’s scholarships, with elementary, middle, high school and first-year college students invited to compete in the categories of vocal, drama, dance, and instrumental.
Applications are available at the theatre. The cost is $25 for the first talent and $10 for additional talents per person. Sommerfield said she encourages each participant to focus on one talent.
“I try to subtly tell them that when they try to do too much they don’t do well in any of them,” Sommerfield said.
Recent interest has been encouraging. There were 86 performers two years ago and 74 last year.
Sommerfield said early interest this year has been good.
“I’m getting calls every day and they’re picking up applications at the theatre,” Sommerfield said.
Awards given in each age group and each category. First- and second-place
awards will be given in each age group and every category. Contestants must come to auditions to compete in the competition.
“My priority is to give these kids an understanding there are people who care about them and willing to give to their promotion of themselves,” Sommerfield said. “They’re all winners.”
The kids who performed in this event have gone on to work in theater in New York, gone to Hollywood, and some continue to work locally at the Cultural Park Theatre, Sommerfield said.
Contestants are to call 772-8180 for audition times. The public is invited to come to the competitions and the command performance.
Tickets will be available at the Cultural Park Theater.
For further information, call Sommerfield at 772-8180.