American Idol may be in its last season, but Wake Forest Has Talent is just getting started! Embarking on its second season, the talent competition sponsored by Wake Forest Arts is designed to feature the myriad of talent in the area and as a fundraiser for the organization.
“We’re excited to sponsor this talent competition for the second time,” said Mary Petretich, president of the board of Wake Forest ARTS. “Part of our mission is to encourage emerging artists and give them opportunities to perform. In fact, several of last year’s finalists have already been hired to perform at our events during the year. So whether you’re a singer, a band, a juggler, or a comedian – I encourage you to send in an audition.”
Ten finalists will be selected from the audition videos received. Two of the finalists will perform during each of the first five concerts in the Six Sundays in Spring concert series at E. Carroll Joyner Park in Wake Forest. All 10 will perform during the Finalist’s Showcase scheduled for Saturday, May 28.
“The only complaint we heard last year from the performers was that they wanted to play longer,” Petretich said, “so this year we’ve added an entire concert devoted solely to the competition finalists.”
The competition begins with performers submitting videos to Wake Forest ARTS. Contestants simply upload an audition video to YouTube and send the link to: info@wakeforestarts.org. The deadline for submissions is midnight EST on March 12, 2016. A jury of arts professionals and Wake Forest Arts board members will select finalists from the videos submitted. Finalists will be notified by April 5.
Wake Forest Has Talent! is not limited to residents of the Town of Wake Forest. The contest is open to any performer or group who is able to perform live during one of the five Sunday afternoon concerts (April 24 – May 22) and the Showcase on May 28.
Audience members, fans, and family vote for their favorite performers via the online fundraising site, “Crowdrise”. Each finalist will have their own page on the site and supporters will cast “votes” for $1 each. Voting will begin on April 24 and will close at midnight on May 29. The performers or groups that earn the most votes (and money for Wake Forest Arts) will be named the winners. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists.
Complete details including rules and deadlines, can be found on the Wake Forest Arts website: www.wakeforestarts.org.
