Professional services package added to “Spotlight to Stardom” prizes

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DURANGO, Colo. – The winning package for “Spotlight to Stardom,” the Four Corners Talent Search at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, has been enhanced as local professionals will donate their services to further the career of the winning Adult contestant (15 and older).

In addition to the $1000 top cash prize, the winner will receive complementary booking consultation and efforts from the Leslie Management Agency, review/writing of press materials with writer and Concert Hall publicist Indiana Reed, publicity photos from Lisa Mackey Photography and one day (8 hours) of studio time (if appropriate) at Eagle Sound.

“I think it’s fabulous that we can offer a package of this caliber for the winning ‘star,’” said Mary Jo Rakowski, co-hosting the final Spotlight to Stardom show set for June 7. “One of the primary goals of the event right from the start was to help aspiring performers take a ‘next step’ to stardom. I encourage artists to not miss out on this unique opportunity.”

Auditions for Spotlight to Stardom are Sunday, March 15, on stage at the Community Concert Hall. Information and the application are available for download at www.durangoconcerts.com (click on the headline right below “Illuminate Your Senses”), or at the Downtown Ticket Office at 7^th and Main in Durango (970.247.7657). Those who apply in advance will receive a specific time to audition. An open audition for last-minute entrants is planned for 4 p.m. that day.

Spotlight to Stardom is the Four Corners region’s only professionally-produced talent competition to be judged by professionals in the industry. In addition to Rakowski, Preston Parrott will co-host the event, and Dave Mensch and Formula 151 will be in place as the house band – potentially available to provide live music for the contestants’ final performances June 7.

During auditions, the coordinating team will look to build a balanced variety show, selecting the most talented (non-professional) vocalists, musicians, bands, actors, comedians and others of all ages – from throughout the Four Corners region –  to appear on June 7. Performers must audition with the song/routine they intend to perform on June 7, though any costumes, sets, lighting, etc. need not be finalized.

The competition is divided into Youth (age 14 and younger) and Adult categories, and each will compete in the final show for their own prize monies. Groups, such as families, who have both adults and youth, will compete in the Adult category.

The cash prizes, donated by Alpine Bank of Durango and presented at the close of the show, are $1000, $500 and $250 for the Adult first, second and third place winners, with the top three Youth contenders receiving $500, $250 and $125. Steamworks Brewing Co. will also sponsor the Audience Appreciation Award, a cash award voted on by all members of the audience.

Cost to audition is $75 per “act,” no matter the number of people involved. Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to sponsor potential Spotlight “stars.” If acts are selected for the final show, the sponsors’ names will be included in the show program, and their support acknowledged the night of the show.

Questions prior to auditions can be directed to Indiana Reed, [email protected], 970.382.9734.

The Community Concert Hall is located in the growing arts complex of Fort Lewis College. It operates through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, as well as the city of Durango, and with financial and in-kind contributions from generous members of the community.

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