Although the COVID-19 pandemic has kept us home, it hasn't stopped our talented special needs individuals from continuing to reach for the stars. This year, we will be hosting the auditions and final competition LIVE virtually via Zoom. Because we are hosting this event online, we want to invite special needs individuals from all over the country (and the world) to participate in this extraordinary competition, so....
Come spread your invisible wings and reach for the stars. You can join Special Needs Talent Showcase as an individual or as a group. All types of performances are welcomed – musical acts, dancing, comedy, magic acts, martial arts, acrobatics, etc. Trophies will be awarded to all finalists at the Final Competition. All individuals with developmental disabilities are encouraged to try out and have the chance to enjoy an experience of a lifetime!
Come spread your invisible wings and reach for the stars. You can join Special Needs Talent Showcase as an individual or as a group. All types of performances are welcomed – musical acts, dancing, comedy, magic acts, martial arts, acrobatics, etc. Trophies will be awarded to all finalists at the Final Competition. All individuals with developmental disabilities are encouraged to try out and have the chance to enjoy an experience of a lifetime!
Dates and Locations
Entry Forms are due on Friday, April 2, 2021.
Auditions will be held on 2 days online via Zoom:
• Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 4:00 PM PST to 6:00 PM PST
• Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 2:00 PM PST to 4:00 PM PST
Final Competition will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 5:00 PM PST online via Zoom.
Auditions will be held on 2 days online via Zoom:
• Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 4:00 PM PST to 6:00 PM PST
• Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 2:00 PM PST to 4:00 PM PST
Final Competition will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 5:00 PM PST online via Zoom.
Competition Information
Children or adults with developmental disabilities (Regional Center client, student with IEP in the school district or equivalent – verification may be requested if necessary). Past final winners cannot compete in the same winning act/group. For example: If you have won as a solo pianist, you cannot re-audition as a solo pianist. You can, however, audition with another instrument or play as part of an ensemble. Or if you won in a group, you may not compete with the same group, but the group members can do individual solo acts.
- Special needs performers cannot be accompanied by any non-special needs individuals. For a musical group performance (e.g. instrumental or singing), only 1 non-special needs person is allowed as a conductor or director.
- A contestant may enter multiple performances, up to a total maximum of 4 individual and/or group acts, but the performances cannot be in the same category. For example, you cannot do 2 dance performances or 2 singing performances, but you can do one dance performance and one singing performance.
- All auditions MUST be real-time in person virtually LIVE with Zoom. No recorded-video auditions allowed.
- All performances will be video-recorded. The parent/individual is required to sign a photo/video consent form that is attached to this entry form.
- A maximum of 2 minutes per act are allotted for the preliminary auditions, and a maximum of 5 minutes per act will be allotted for the final competition. Your performance will be stopped at the end of the allotted time.
- You will be judged on Originality, Talent, and Showmanship.
- All audition contestants MUST attend an informational Meeting prior to the audition date (schedule to be announced).
- A Rehearsal Session can be arranged if requested.
Entry fees: $10 per solo act/ group act.
Please note that only the first 70 entries sent in by the April 2, 2021 deadline will be accepted to audition.
Entry fees should be paid by credit cards. After we receive your audition form(s) and entry fee, we will send you a confirmation email. The Zoom link, and your audition number, as well as further instructions will be sent a week ahead of time. Please contact sntalenshowcase@gmail.com or 510-739-6900 ext.3320 if you would like to request for other payment method.
Please note that only the first 70 entries sent in by the April 2, 2021 deadline will be accepted to audition.
Entry fees should be paid by credit cards. After we receive your audition form(s) and entry fee, we will send you a confirmation email. The Zoom link, and your audition number, as well as further instructions will be sent a week ahead of time. Please contact sntalenshowcase@gmail.com or 510-739-6900 ext.3320 if you would like to request for other payment method.
Ten finalists will advance from the Preliminary Auditions to the Final Competition.
Each of the top 3 winners will win a trophy, and $500 cash prize.
Other Awards/Prizes:
Each of the top 3 winners will win a trophy, and $500 cash prize.
Other Awards/Prizes:
- Best Showmanship Award - receives a trophy and $100 cash
- People's Choice Award (determined by audience) - receives a trophy and $100 cash
Zoom App: If you haven’t already downloaded the Zoom app onto the device you’ll use for your audition, we encourage you to do so in advance. Please go to https://zoom.us/download and click “Zoom Client for Meetings.” (For mobile devices: download and install the iOS or Android Zoom app.)
What Device Should I Use? Use any device you have that has a built in or external microphone and camera. Choose the one that gives you the best picture which is at least 720p and best sound quality.
For those contestants who are singing, please try to have your music accompaniment playing on a different device so that you can hear it clearly and start/stop it easily.
Setting Up:
References:
Testing computer or device audio (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362283-Testing-computer-or-device-audio)
Testing your video (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362313-Testing-your-video)
Background noise suppression (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360046244692-Background-noise-suppression)
What Device Should I Use? Use any device you have that has a built in or external microphone and camera. Choose the one that gives you the best picture which is at least 720p and best sound quality.
For those contestants who are singing, please try to have your music accompaniment playing on a different device so that you can hear it clearly and start/stop it easily.
Setting Up:
- Better internet connection to get better quality.
- Your device should ideally sit on a tripod or a stable surface to maintain a steady image. Position the camera at eye level. For smartphone or tablet users, please turn Screen Portrait Orientation Lock Off, and then place your device in landscape (horizontal) position.
- The Space – Try to pick a space in your home that is private and has as little background noise as possible. Notify the other people in and around your home know when your actual audition appointment(s) will take place so you can avoid any noise distractions.
- Background and Attire - The best background is a plain wall. If that’s not available, try to have a fairly simple background and wear audition attire that puts the focus on you (solid colors recommended); make sure you don’t blend into your background (for example, a black shirt against a dark cabinet wouldn’t be the best idea.)
- Lighting and Sound Quality - Set up your device in front of a window so your face receives bright, indirect light. If natural light isn’t an option place a soft, warm-hued lamp in front of you. As for sound, the microphone on some devices can produce an odd hollow sound or echo when you perform. We recommend that you use a pair of earbuds or a headset and do an audio and video test ahead of time.
- What to Wear for a Virtual Audition - Dress as though you’re preparing for an in-person audition. Solid clothes in black or jewel-toned colors are recommended. Bright colors and patterns can be distracting. Be prepared for the judges to want to see your whole look. It would be embarrassing to only be prepared from the waist up!
References:
Testing computer or device audio (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362283-Testing-computer-or-device-audio)
Testing your video (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362313-Testing-your-video)
Background noise suppression (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360046244692-Background-noise-suppression)