Auditions for area talent show being held on June 11

Aspiring performers in the greater Waterford area are encouraged to audition for the 2nd annual Waterford’s Got Talent contest on June 11.

The communitywide talent show auditions will begin at 9 a.m. in the Waterford Mott Performing Arts Center. The event is hosted by the Waterford Coalition for Youth in conjunction with the Waterford School District, the 51st District Sobriety Court and Media Network of Waterford.
All proceeds benefit the Waterford Coalition for Youth.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Waterford Coalition for Youth Executive Director Heather Halls. “Last year we had standing room only and had over 800 people attend. It’s a great way for Waterford to showcase their talent.”
The Waterford Coalition for Youth’s mission is to reduce substance abuse and high-risk behaviors in youth.

“The proceeds from the event, above cash prizes, go to the foundation,” Halls said. “We put on education forums and all kinds of awareness initiatives — anything related to high-risk choices for kids and awareness for parents and families, as well.”
Anyone — regardless of age — who lives, works or attends school in Waterford is eligible and encouraged to audition. Last year, acts ranged from jugglers to vocalists, comedians to bands, and acts performing pet tricks.

The top 16 acts will be selected to compete on Sept. 24 in the Waterford Mott High School Performing Arts Center for over $3,000 in cash prizes.
“There will be several different levels of awards based on the act and age level,” Halls said.

Fox 2-TV anchor and feature reporter Jay Towers will return in September as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Professional judges include radio, talent agency and choreography industry representatives.

Audition forms and contest rules can be found at www.wcfy.org and must be submitted to the Waterford Coalition for Youth offices by May 27. Audition registrations include a $10 non-refundable fee for individual acts, or $20 per group. Contestants can register on site the morning of June 11, but after May 27, audition fees increase.

Those under 18 wishing to audition must have a parent or guardian’s permission. Tickets to the September show will go on sale Aug. 24.