The 35th annual “Spotlight on Talent” will showcase a multitude of talents by area contestants.
Two shows will give students a chance to shine, and offer the audience the opportunity to be entertained by accomplished young singers, dancers and musicians.
More than 170 students, making up 90 acts, auditioned during a 12-hour day for the producers — for the opportunity to be named a finalist. A total of 65 acts, consisting of 142 students, were chosen to perform at the finals, according to a news release.
Two shows are planned to give finalists a chance to compete for honors. The Heritage Arts Center Association, which produces the show, will again be presenting a $1,000 “Pasco Heritage Scholarship” to the graduating Pasco County senior who receives the highest scores from the judges. Last year’s scholarship recipient was Jessica Twitmyer, a singer.
Both shows will be on March 10 at Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.
Act I begins at noon, with the younger solos and groups. Act II begins at 7 p.m., and will feature older solos and groups. Tickets are $12 for adults per show, or $20 for both shows; $6 for students through high school, or $10 for both shows; and free for children under $5. Tickets are available for purchase at the door.
The emcee for the show is Grace Badillo.
The competition draws contestants from across the region, representing numerous performers from a variety of studios and instructors.
Two professional panels of judges will select winners for cash prizes. A total of more than $4,000 in cash, trophies, and ribbons will be presented to winners in eight categories.
Performances will vary from jazz to classical, Broadway to rock.
Piano selections will range from Chopin to “Hamilton” to the “Greatest Showman.”
There will be Cirque du Soleil number, a trumpet solo, and a flag dance, to name just a few.
“Spotlight” is a family affair, with three sets of sisters competing, one family with three siblings competing; husbands and wives who volunteer together; and, producers who are mother and daughter.
The competition is celebrating its 35th season and has come full circle, with Spotlight alums now handling various responsibilities for the production.
Three of those alums sit on the Heritage Arts Board of Directors, and the two assistant producers, Michael Roberts and Rebecca Friedman Groomes, were annual contestants from the age of 5. The Spotlight competition costs more than $18,000 to produce, and would be impossible without the support of area businesses and individuals.
Barbara Friedman is the executive producer of the annual talent showcase.
35th annual Spotlight on Talent
Where: Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel
When: Act I, noon on March 10; Act II, 7 p.m. on March 10
Cost: $12 for adults per show, or $20 for both shows; $6 for students through high school, or $10 for both shows. Free for children under 5. Tickets are available at the door.
Details: Regional talent show gives youths an opportunity to be in the spotlight and win recognition for their work.
Published March 7, 2018
