Audition Information

Welcome to the 11th Annual Special Needs Talent Showcase! We invite talented individuals with special needs from across the nation—and around the globe—to join us in an extraordinary celebration of talent, passion, and possibility. With auditions and the final competition available in-person for local contestants and virtually for non-local and international contestants, there's a place for everyone to shine!

Step into the spotlight, spread your wings, and reach for the stars. The Special Needs Talent Showcase is your stage—whether you're a solo artist or part of a group, ready to dazzle with music, dance, comedy, magic, martial arts, acrobatics, or any unique talent. Every performance is a masterpiece, and every finalist will receive a trophy to mark this incredible journey.

We encourage individuals with developmental disabilities to take center stage, seize this moment, and experience the magic of a lifetime. Join us and be part of something truly unforgettable, where your talent and our excitement know no bounds. Welcome to the 11th Annual Special Needs Talent Showcase—where the stage is set for you to shine!
Please read the below competition information carefully before signing up.
Deadline Extended to Monday, January 20, 2025

Competition Information

  • Eligibility
  • Rules
  • Entry Fees
  • Awards & Prizes
  • Tips for Zoom Audition
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  • ​Children/Adults with Developmental Disabilities who meet one or more of the below criteria:
    • Regional Center clients
    • Students with IEP in the school district or equivalent
    • Individuals with diagnosis from medical doctor
​             (Verification of diagnosis may be requested if necessary)
  • Past top 3 winners CANNOT compete in the same winning act/group.
    • E.g. 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. 
Where To Audition:
  • Contestants who live within a 50-mile radius of Fremont MUST come to FCSN's Headquarters (42080 Osgood Rd., Fremont, CA) for the in-person auditions on Sunday, 1/26/25. (No Exceptions)
  • Contestants who live outside a 50-mile radius of Fremont can either choose to have an in-person audition at FCSN's Headquarters or online audition via Zoom on Sunday, 1/26/25.
Performance Guidelines:
  • Special needs performers CANNOT be accompanied by any non-special needs individuals.
    • Exception: For a group music performance (e.g. instrumental or singing), only 1  non-special needs person is allowed to be conductor/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.
    • E.g. You cannot compete in 2 dance performances/2 singing performances, but you can compete in one dance performance and one singing performance.
  • For Zoom audition, all auditions MUST be real-time in person virtually LIVE with Zoom. No recorded-video auditions allowed.
  • ​All performances will be 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. 

Judging Guidelines:
  • The performance will be judged on 2 main criteria:
    • Talent / Ability (3/4 of the total score)
    • Showmanship / Entertainment Value (1/4 of the total score)
  • Extra Points Given For:
    • Improvisation and/or Composition (creating own music or lyrics or adding improvisation to performance)
    • Showing cultural diversity (Cultural performances or group performers reflecting 3 or more ethnicities)
    • Non-musical act (acts other than singing, dancing, or instrumental)
    • Group performances (2 or more members)
    • Combo Performance (ie. singing & dancing)
    • Memorizing your performance (without using music score or reminder sheets)

Other Guidelines:
  • Online audition contestants MUST attend an Informational Meeting prior to the audition date (TBD).
  • A sound check can be arranged if requested​. 
  • Finalists and Honorable Mentions MUST attend an online orientation a few days (TBD) prior to the final competition.
  • Entry fees: $10 per solo act/ group act. 
  • Please note that only the first 70 entries sent in by the January 13, 2025 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 audition time (for in-person), Zoom link (for online), and your audition number, as well as further instructions will be sent a few days before the audition.
  • Please contact [email protected] or 510-739-6900 ext.3319 if you would like to request for other payment method.
  • Ten finalists will advance from the Preliminary Auditions to the Final Competition and receive a trophy and $100.
  • ​Each of the top 3 winners will win a trophy AND an additional $400 cash prize. 
  • Other Awards/Prizes:
    • People's Choice Award (determined by audience votes) - Receives a trophy AND an additional $300 cash
    • Best Showmanship Award - Receives a trophy AND an additional $100 cash

      Please note: Group acts only receives 1 trophy and cash prize as a group, not individually.
  • ​​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:
    • 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:

Important Information

Entry Forms Due: Monday, January 13, 2025
In-Person & Online Auditions Held On:
     Sunday, January 26, 2025 

Audition Location:
Online: via Zoom
In-Person: FCSN Headquarters, 42080 Osgood Rd., Fremont, CA 94539

The audition time (PST) will be announced a few days ahead of the audition.
​
Final Competition: Saturday, April 12, 2025 via Zoom & at Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA

Final Competition Ticket Information

Note: Tickets will be available in February 2025
​
Ticket Price:
For in-person at Santa Clara Convention Center: $10 / seat 
For online via Zoom: $25 / electronic device
Electronic Devices include: phone, tablet, computer, laptop
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For ticketing questions, please contact:
[email protected]
510-739-6900 ext 3305