The St. Louis area’s most talented high school students are preparing to perform live on the Fox Theatre stage for the 12th annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition.
This year, 14 acts – a total of 18 students – are among the finalists. Performers include singers, dancers, musicians and circus artists, who bested more than 100 contestants from area high schools. Six acts are repeat finalists from previous years.
The professionally produced program, presented by the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, will be held live on Friday, Feb. 11, at the Fox Theatre. The event is free and open to the public, with General Admission tickets available through Metrotix.
In addition to having their turn to perform on the legendary Fox Theatre stage, students are vying for scholarships, prizes and other opportunities. Some $50,000 in prizes, cash awards and scholarships will be distributed among the top competitors this year. What’s more, previous finalists have performed on tour with “Hamilton,” and on television on shows such as “The Voice” and “American Idol.” Others have showcased their talents at The Muny and Sheldon Concert Hall, and with Chamber Music Society of St. Louis and St. Louis Shakespeare Festival.
The finals production is written and directed by St. Louis native Tony Parise, a Broadway actor, dancer, director and choreographer. Parise will work with choreographer Yvonne Meyer Hare and music director Steve Neale to prepare performers for the stage. Actor Ben Nordstrom will serve as emcee for the evening.
Finalists will be judged on technical ability, interpretation, stage presence and originality by a panel of judges whose careers span music, dance and Broadway. They include Broadway star Taylor Louderman, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Audrey Kwong, COCA’s Antonio Douthit-Boyd, executive music producer Carl Nappa, award-winning actor Ken Page and acclaimed jazz vocalist Denise Thimes.
Current COVID-19 protocols are in place at the Fox, requiring guests to provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative test for entry, and to wear a mask while in the theater. More information is available on the Fox Theatre website.
