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Youth Talent Competition Expands

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 10, 2008

More than 100 children compete for scholarships and recognition in the annual Spotlight on Talent competition.

Organizers have expanded this year's event to two shows, allowing more children to enter.

"This year, it's all about more," said event producer Barbara Friedman. "More kids can participate; more money can be given. This year, we'll be giving more than $2,000 in cash prizes alone, plus the trophies."

"This is the biggest show we produce. It's a nice tradition in this part of the county that gets bigger and better every year."

The 25th Spotlight on Talent will be March 29 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School. An afternoon session will feature elementary and middle school students; high school students and groups will compete that night.

The competition welcomes singers, musicians, acrobats, novelty acts, bands, baton-twirlers and dancers from Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter counties.

The top three winners in each age category receive trophies and cash awards of $100, $75 and $50.

Students also get exposure and feedback from the judges. They are scored on talent, stage presence and appearance.

Even those who don't make it into the competition get a copy of the judges' comments about their performances.

"I encourage the judges to be positive and constructive, so the child won't be crushed," Friedman said.

For more serious performers, Spotlight on Talent offers a proving ground.

"This is perfect to prepare children to audition for a dance company or music scholarship," Friedman said. "If they are serious about a career in the performing arts, this is the experience they need."

According to the Heritage Arts Center Association's Web site, past performers have studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music, Indiana and Yale universities and performed with the Festival Ballet of Utah, the Florida Orchestra and Sheila E. Spotlight alumnus Elizabeth McLaughlin landed a guest spot on the "Ugly Betty" TV show last month and a role in an upcoming teen movie.

Applications for the Spotlight on Talent competition are due Feb. 21; the preliminary competition will take place at 8:30 a.m. March 8 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School. For information or to apply online, go to www.heritagearts.org. Applications also are available in the music departments at east and central Pasco schools and at Zephyrhills, Dade City and central Pasco chambers of commerce.

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