The show must go on — but this year it’s a scaled back version.
The 38th “Spotlight on Talent” competition will be held on March 6 — to give talented students a chance to show off their talents.
But this year’s crowd will be considerably smaller than usual — because of restrictions being followed to avoid the potential spread of COVID-19.
Only immediate family members may attend, social distancing and masking will be required, and the contestants will only come for their age category performances and awards, and then leave, according to a news release from the Heritage Arts Center Association, which puts on the competition.
All types of talent are welcome to compete, and there are several age categories for solos and group categories.
A student may enter as a solo and with a group.
Application fees are $40 for a solo, and $5 for each addition group contestant. The cap for a group is $85.
Participants are judged primarily on talent with additional points for stage presence and appropriate appearance, the news release says.
Those interested in competing can apply through Jan. 28, at heritagearts.org.
Participants will be rated by a panel of paid, professional judges, who will provide feedback and scores.
The contest includes $4,000 in cash and trophy prizes, and a $1,000 scholarship to the high school senior from Pasco County with the highest judges scores.
For more information, contact Barbara Friedman at or by calling 352-567-1720.
Published January 20, 2021
