Fiddlers, belly dancers, jumpropers, singers — Juneau’s got a lot of talented performers and artists, and Juneau Dance Theatre is bringing them together for the first ever Juneau’s Got Talent.
“Everywhere I go in this town I meet someone who has been, or is, actively working within the arts,” said Hali Duran, Juneau Dance Theatre Board Member. “Performing is a great way to connect to ourselves and to each other. It exposes you quickly. It was the trifecta at the auditions; humble, beautiful people; stunning artistry; and connection. I’m really just looking forward to a second serving of exactly that.”
Juneau’s Got Talent started as an idea brought up at a JDT Funds Development Committee Meeting last fall and quickly turned into something more. After working through the logistics and details of the event, JDT decided to model the contest after the popular talent competition America’s Got Talent.
The contest will present 15 acts to the public. The acts include a group of 12 tap dancing kids, belly dancers, vocalists and musicians.
Like in the TV show, judges and audience members’ scores combine to determine the winner. JGT contestants will rely on their “pots” being filled to be declared the audience’s favorite. Instead of electronic buttons, or phoning in, the audience will be casting their votes with dollar bills and credit cards. More money equals more audience votes for the act.
Along with the competition, there will be a dessert auction and a no-host bar. People at the event can also participate in a balloon pop prize. The balloons can be purchased throughout the event; purchasers will pop them at the end to reveal the prizes inside.
Zachary Hench, JDT Artistic Director, said he’s excited that artists will get to express themselves.
“There are so many talented people in this community that don’t always get the opportunity to perform,” said Hench. “Juneau’s Got Talent is a great platform for them to express themselves and show their ability.”
The money raised at the show will directly fund Juneau Dance Theatre programs like their annual Fine Arts Camp. It’ll also offer financial assistance and scholarships for year-round classes, and be used for expanding outreach programs like ballet classes at Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School through the Juneau Afterschool Coalition’s “Body & Mind, Before/After Middle School” program, in class presentations at Auke Bay Elementary School, and for free performances of The Nutcracker for Juneau School District kids.
The finalists were chosen from a pool of applicants who auditioned live or via video. The winner will receive a cash prize and an opportunity to perform on stage in the JDT Spring Series, which runs from April 29-May 1. They’ll also get bragging rights.
The judges, said JDT executive director Julie Diana, were chosen “based on their leadership roles in the community, artistic experience and overall sense of fun.”
She went on to say, “We are so grateful that they are donating their time and energy to this event. The contestants are also tremendously talented, and it’s going to be an entertaining and family friendly competition.”
Tickets are $35 or $50 for two people and are available for purchase at the JACC, Hearthside Books and at the door. The show is March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center.
For more information go to www.juneaudance.org.
JUDGES, CONTESTANTS:
Judges are Collette Costa, Nancy DeCherney, Hali Duran, Zachary Hench, Frank Katasse, Michaela Moore, Shona Osterhout and Eric Scott.
Contestants are Daughters of the New Moon, Fusion Dance Company, Bryan Graceland, Juneau Jumpers, Kayla Kohlhase, Adelle LaBrecque and Scott Grant, Marina McDowell, Micah Mende, Jocelyn Miles, The Mini Fiddlers, Bobbi Mitchell, Evan Rothfeld, Lydia Smith, Salissa Thole and Meredith Wallis with Eric Oravskye.
