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Health & Fitness

"Junior's Got Talent" Summer 2013 - A NEW YOUTH SHOWCASE

July 15, 2013 Press Conference - 3 weeks after my morning coffee with Elizebeth Doran and decided to join force together, we launch the first ever youth showcase for the summer of 2013...this event is to celebrate all the talented youth in and around  the San Gabriel Valley area.

The press release headline stated as follow : "The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director, and Elizabeth Doran, Executive Director), in partnership with Vivian Chan, Producer and President of Asian Link Marketing (ALM), along with special media sponsor ETTV America Corp., announce JUNIOR’S GOT TALENT!, an education-focused youth talent showcase that will take place on the Mainstage of The Pasadena Playhouse. The showcase performances will be on Friday, August 30 and Sunday, September 8, 2013, as a part of The Playhouse’s Wells Fargo Theatrical Diversity Project." There are no time for Elizebeth and I to think too much but continue to engage all the wonderful professional talents for their support...luck is on our side because we also gain support by community leaders in the educational arena.

“As a mother of four absolutely beautiful children, I know firsthand that, like a child walking on a pathway, you can never tell what small pebble picked up along the way will direct them to their dreams.  These pebbles become like treasure to them as they move toward the accomplishment of educational goals and dreams,” with that understanding I take on the task of the producer role.  “I realize this project is a labor of love, because our intend is to provide many pebbles of opportunity to our community’s talented youth.  It is our hope that through this educational journey, these young people will gain experience, and blossom in their own way.” "Follow the pebbles along the path to find the way to your dreams! Because I do believe that dreams do come true.

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“Everyone here at Pasadena Playhouse are thrilled to partner with Vivian and ETTV on this exciting pilot program to highlight the talented youth in our community,” said Elizabeth Doran, Executive Director of The Playhouse.  “Elizabeth belief that The Pasadena Playhouse is for all members of our community, and we welcome all children and youth in this educational celebration.” Both Vivian and I belief that "The concept of the showcases is not one of competition – it is one of inclusion, education, and expression."

We are pleased to also partner with Five Acres, a social services organization for children and families.  All Five Acres children will be invited to participate in the showcase events.

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All finalists will be invited to attend master classes with professionals, and will be highlighted at special events throughout the year, such as “Juniors for Seniors” a program that connects these talented young artists with members of our senior community. “Juniors for Seniors” allows for the exchange of insight between these young people who have just set out, and seniors who have already had great journeys along the “pebble path.”

  • Categories for the showcase will be voice, dance, and symphonic instrumentation. Individuals and/or groups of students aged 8-17 are invited to apply for an audition to the showcase.
  • Applications are available online and are in English and Chinese. A short statement describing his or her passion and inspiration for performance.
  • Applicant showcase auditions will occur at The Pasadena Playhouse on August 4 and August 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
  • 36 students (12 from each category) will be invited to the first showcase on Friday, August 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.  Each student will be given 2-3 minutes to showcase his or her talent before an audience and panel of celebrity guests.   
  • 15 students (five from each category) will be selected to perform in a final showcase on Sunday, September 8, at 4:00 p.m.
  •  One finalist from each category to receive a $1,000 college scholarship, among other prizes.
  • All finalists will be invited to attend master classes with professionals, and will be highlighted at special events throughout the year, such as “Juniors for Seniors”, a program that connects these talented young artists with members of our senior community.
  • The entire process, from audition to final showcase, will be presented in both English and Mandarin.
  • Each step along the way, from audition to final showcase, ALL participants will receive education-focused prizes, including theater tickets, access to master classes, a chance to win an Apple IPad, and more.  

The entire process, from audition to final showcase, will be presented in both English and Mandarin.

To apply for an audition for JUNIOR’S GOT TALENT!, parents and students can go to www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org and download an online application.  

The background about the Wells Fargo Theatrical Diversity Project. It was organized in 2005 to support the Pasadena Playhouse’s vision to build a legacy of artistic and theatrical diversity. Our productions reflect the diverse richness that defines our community, while never forgetting that primary goal of theater – to entertain.

The Theatrical Diversity Project explores and celebrates the human experience shared by people of all colors, genders, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, learning and physical abilities, and socioeconomic positions. In particular, this initiative empowers and enriches young people of diverse ethnicities from underserved communities through free student performances and arts education programs.

In 2013, The Pasadena Playhouse expanded this project by partnering with caring members of the San Gabriel Valley Chinese community to collaborate in a new venture celebrating a common source of pride – our talented youth.

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