The Music Center has announced that applications for are now being accepted from all Southern California high school students wishing to apply to The Music Center’s Spotlight. This is a free annual competition that provides over $100,000 in performing arts scholarships and artistic development via “auditions, feedback, and mastery classes taught by professional artists and arts administrators and performance opportunities at the West Coast’s leading performing arts destination.” (TMC press release). The DEADLINE for these inspiring young artists TO APPLY IS October 17, 2022.
The Music Center’s 2022 Spotlight Gala Performance – Photo John McCoy for the Music Center
Information and Guidelines
The Music Center’s Spotlight is part of The Music Center’s commitment to helping all students gain outstanding arts learning experience in their schools and in the community. Spotlight is designed to help students explore their professional goals and increase their confidence through the audition process. Spotlight alumni are performing with the world’s best dance companies, top orchestras and leading jazz clubs; singing in the leading opera houses; and starring on Broadway. They are also major executives working behind‐the‐scenes in arts schools, non-profit institutions and businesses.
June 15, 2022 Los Angeles, CA. Spotlight performance at the The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on 6/15/2022. Photos by John McCoy for the Music Center
Applicants must submit a video audition online and may apply to multiple categories, which include acting, ballet, classical instrumental, classical voice, dance, jazz instrumental and non-classical voice. They receive written feedback from a distinguished panel of judges, a certificate of achievement and also have the opportunity to gain valuable audition experience and knowledge in their disciplines through mastery classes and performances. Through a supportive environment, students can develop important life skills, including self‐esteem, preparation and perseverance.
The Music Center’s 2022 Spotlight Gala Performance – Photo John McCoy for the Music Center
The Music Center’s Spotlight process*:
Preliminary 1 – First Round Auditions: Students submit an online video audition in one or more of the following categories: acting, ballet, classical instrumental, classical voice, dance, jazz instrumental and non-classical voice. All who submit will receive personalized written feedback. NOTE: Spotlight Merit, Semifinalists and Honorable Mentions from the previous year will bypass the Preliminary 1 and advance automatically to Preliminary 2 live auditions.
Preliminary 2 – Second Round Auditions: Students who advance to this round will audition live before a panel of judges and receive personalized feedback from a panel of industry experts.
June 15, 2022 Los Angeles, CA. Spotlight performance at the The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on 6/15/2022. Photos by John McCoy for the Music Center
Semifinal – Master Classes/Auditions: Sixteen Semifinalists in each category are invited to observe and participate in most mastery classes to gain feedback prior to their semifinal auditions. Eventually, two Grand Prize finalists and an Honorable Mention in each category will be announced after the semifinal auditions.
Grand Finale: Spotlight will conclude with a live Grand Finale evening performance. More details to be announced!
*Given circumstances around COVID-19, program elements and benefits are subject to change.
The Music Center’s 2022 Spotlight Finalists – Photo John McCoy for the Music Center
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WHAT: The Music Center’s Spotlight
Applications are now open to all Southern California high school students interested in the performing arts. Launching its 35th year, the annual free competition provides more than $100,000 in performing arts scholarships and artistic development through auditions, feedback, and mastery classes taught by professional artists and arts administrators and performance opportunities. Applying to The Music Center’s Spotlight is free. Students with all skill levels are encouraged to apply.
WHEN: Applications are now open!
Deadline to apply is October 17, 2022.
HOW TO APPLY: Go to musiccenter.org/spotlight
June 15, 2022 Los Angeles, CA. Spotlight performance at the The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on 6/15/2022. Photos by John McCoy for the Music Center
MORE INFO:
Available to view on-demand, The Spotlight Academy is an episodic series of online videos and tutorials, including an overall introduction to Spotlight; application rules for each of the seven categories; tips to create a great video audition; and topical episodes with guest experts including Superstore actress Carla Renata, opera singer Suzanna Guzmán, and New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck, among others.
For additional information, including details on how to apply in each category, visit musiccenter.org/spotlight.
For more information about The Music Center, please visit their website.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle from The Music Center Press Release.
Featured image: The Music Center’s 2022 Spotlight Gala Performance – Photo John McCoy for the Music Center
