Now in its 28th year, the Music Center Spotlight program provides Southern California high school students an opportunity to stretch themselves by learning about audition/interview skills, making great audition videos, exploring artistry and developing self-confidence; all in a safe and nurturing environment. It’s free, it’s easy, and, most importantly, it’s fun! Each year, Spotlight awards more than $100,000 to students in scholarships. It’s so much more than a competition. It provides scholarship opportunities and feedback to all students, no matter what level they have achieved in their art form. Applications are now available online at https://www.musiccenter.org/spotlight. New for this year is the ability for students to apply through video submission. The deadline to apply is Oct. 19.
Categories are acting, classical voice, non-classical voice, ballet, non-classical dance, jazz instrumental and classical instrumental.
We work with students on:
• Developing self-confidence
• Uncovering artistry
• How to deal with nerves
• What to do after you leave an audition or interview
• Learning to cultivate self-discerning skills
For those students who advance to the semifinals, there are individual and group master classes. All students can attend the group master classes, whether or not they advance. Finalists perform on stage at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The Music Center’s Spotlight program has launched numerous professional careers, including American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland, pop music sensation Adam Lambert, Broadway’s Erin Mackey and classical musician Liang Wang, principal oboist with the New York Philharmonic. Many alumni return to the program to participate as judges and class instructors.
In addition, we are also offering a free, one-day performing arts workshop called the Spotlight Academy at the Music Center on Sunday, Sept. 27, for students, parents and teachers. Come hear arts professionals, counselors and faculty talk about applying to and paying for college, careers in acting, what college panels are looking for, getting a dance agent, relaxation techniques, mentorship, ballet companies, developing artistry and much more. Visit https://bit.ly/1LpoRXP.