Hunt for Wandsworth's young performers begins (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Hunt for Wandsworth's young performers begins

2:00pm Sunday 16th September 2012 in News

The hunt for young performers has begun following the launch of the Wandsworth Young Performer competition.

Any young person with a passion for performance, music or the arts is encouraged to audition for this year's contest.

The event is open to 14 to 19 year olds who live, work or go to a school or youth club in the borough.

The competition organised by Wandsworth COuncil's arts team, with Bigga Fish, the borough's youth service and Battersea Arts Centre (BAC), is an opportunity for singers, poets, dancers, musicians, bands, comedians and other performers to showcase their talent.

Workshops have been arranged to help young people prepare for next month's audition sessions, and as part of the search, Bigga Fish will have opportunities for young people to gain knowledge and experience in the promotion, marketing and production of the event.

Last year’s competition winners indie rock band Wanted Down Under, performed at this summer’s Olympic torch relay celebration on Tooting Common, which also featured chart-topping hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks and the urban dance stars of Britain's Got Talent Twist & Pulse.

Councillor Kathy Tracey said: "In 2011 we uncovered a wealth of young talent in the borough and so I am excited to see what future stars we discover in 2012.

"We want to give young people every opportunity possible to follow their dreams, whether this is through education, apprenticeship schemes, sporting activities or artistic endeavours such as the Young Performer contest."

Auditions begin in October, but to help performers there will be free performance master classes.

The free performance master classes which are open for anyone to attend are:

• Spoken word meets live music with Kate Tempest, which takes place on Saturday, September 22, from 2pm to 5pm at BAC. Those taking part will be taught how to put live music and words together.
• Beatboxing meets movement with Thickskin & BAC Beatbox Academy. This will be on Saturday, September 29, from 2pm to 5pm at BAC and reveal how to combine vibrant dance with raw beats.
• Vocal Coaching for singers with Daisy Chute, which runs on Monday, October 1, 8 and 15 from 4pm to 7pm at World Heart Beat Music Academy. This is designed to help singers enhance their unique voices.
• Raise your word play with Adisa. This takes place on Wednesday, October 31, from 2pm to 7pm at Tooting Hub. This workshop aims to improve lyrical ability through performance sharing and feedback.

Auditions are free and first-come, first-served basis. They will take place on the following dates and at these locations:

• South Thames College, in Wandsworth High Street on Wednesday, October 17, from 4pm to 7pm.
• World Heart Beat Music Academy, 1st Floor, 58 Kimber Road on Monday, October 22, from 4pm to 7pm.
• Tooting Hub, in Beechcroft Road on Thursday, November 1, from 4pm to 7pm.
• BAC in Lavender Hill on Saturday, November 3, from 2pm to 5pm.

All young people selected from the audition stage should be available for workshops and rehearsals on Saturday, November 17, and Saturday, December 1.

The final event takes place on Saturday, December 8, at Wandsworth Civic Suite. Prizes include a tailored package of professional development opportunities.

For more information contact the Wandsworth Arts Team on 0208 871 8711, email arts@wandsworth.gov.uk or visit the Staff Yard in Battersea Park.