Annual ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ competition begins Friday
After a record-breaking performing arts audition for the 19th annual “Stars of Tomorrow” scholarship program for dance, drama, instrumental and vocal last month, the talented youth are ready to take stage for this weekend’s competition.
Stars of Tomorrow Director June Sommerfield said they had a record turnout for the audition this year attracting 71 kids, which she said is incredible in the current economy.
“These people are struggling,” she said about the parents having to come up with the $20 audition fee for a competitor’s first talent and $10 for any additional talent. “But they are trying to do what they can for their children.”
Sommerfield said the talent continues to get better and better every year. She explained that this year’s auditions attracted the most interest all the way around, which included a lot of new students trying out.
“We had more art instructors this year entering their kids in the competition than ever before,” she said, adding that the audition also attracted more students with dance and instruments as well. “That’s good.”
She explained that with all of the temptations and things out there hurting youth, it is outstanding that many are concentrating and working at something positive in their lives to advance themselves.
The competition, which will be held Friday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m., will feature 66 talents. Winners of the two-day competition will perform at the command performance on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m.
“The public is invited to come and support the youth who are trying to do a positive thing in their life,” Sommerfield said.
The Cape Coral Council for Arts and Humanities will be giving first and second place awards to every age group in every competition.
Mike Quaintance of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce will be the emcee for the command performance.
“The council is reaching out to support the Cape Coral Caring Center by asking people to bring any non-perishable food for those in need,” Sommerfield said.
The competition will be held at the Cape Coral Cultural Park Theatre located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. Tickets can be purchased at the theater.