Calling all talent! LAUNCH auditions set for Monday
Jessica Russ, at left, and Cassandra Mitchell rehearse for auditions for LAUNCH. Both girls are students at James Clemens High School. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – A talent show at James Clemens High School may launch careers for aspiring musicians and entertainers.
James Clemens Band parents are sponsoring the LAUNCH talent show on April 29 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium.
“LAUNCH is a performing outlet for many of the talented students in the Madison area. We want to give students the opportunity to get out in front of the community and perform in front of a large audience,” chorus director and assistant band director Stuart Tankesley said. He and band director Keith Anderson are coordinating the show.
“We want the community to see all of the young talent that we have in Madison,” Tankesley said. “We also want to reward this talent with a $500 grand prize and additional prizes for the category winners.”
WZYP’s MoJo will emcee the show. Judges will be Mayor Troy Trulock, Vinnie Blandin of WHNT and Toni Torrell of WHRP. The audience will help select the grand prize winner.
LAUNCH auditions will be held in the James Clemens band room on April 8.
Individuals or student groups in grades 6-12 from any school can audition. “You don’t have to be a student in Madison City Schools,” Tankesley said. Separate categories will apply for middle school and high school. Auditions are free, but show participants will pay $15 per individual or $20 per group.
“If you have a talent that would be entertaining to an audience, we encourage you to audition — vocal, instrumentals, tumbling, dance and rock bands. We’re also open to magicians, karate, comedy, baton/flag routines and more,” Tankesley said. “Whatever you decide to perform, it should be organized and presented well.”
Audition time slots are five minutes. “You must perform at audition what you plan on performing for the show,” Tankesley said.
Tickets are $5. Show proceeds will benefit James Clemens Band.
To register for auditions, visit LAUNCH.acuityscheduling.com. For more information, email to stankesley@madisoncity.k12.al.us.
