Due to last year’s over-whelming response, Nancy Dee Horak, producer /director of SCV’s Most Talented Performers competition, invites ‘Singers’, ‘Dancers’, and ‘Musicians’, ages 5 thru ‘Senior citizen’, to register for the 2^nd annual competition.

The competition ‘Preliminaries’ were held in January but there still may be an opportunity for talented individuals to participate. The competition’s various categories will begin in February and run for 6 weeks.  Nancy is anticipating an intimate “dinner theatre” type of venue again, here in Santa Clarita, for the performances.  “Last year’s location was a creative atmosphere where the performers contributed a certain ambience.

The intimacy encouraged unbelievable stage presence and the fact that the audience has a part in the balloting added to the drama,” recalled Horak.

Horak, inspired by the energy and talent turnout of the first competition, is looking forward to more of the same this year.  As the former vocal coach of Jessica Felice (ABC’s 2003 ‘All American Girl’) and director of D.E.E. (Developing Exceptional Entertainment) Studio Productions, Nancy believes that a competition of this type not only provides the opportunity for children and adults alike to present their talent publicly, but also provides a chance to be discovered.  Aside from the $1000 cash prize by ‘D.E.E. Studio Productions’, and the recording session (valued at $1000) donated by ‘Command Audio & Lombardi Management’, to be awarded again, to the ‘Over-all Most Talented Performer’, last year one young lady was offered a $50,000 recording contract after being seen at one of the competition events.

In addition to the previously mentioned prizes, each age-group finalist will receive a complimentary dinner, a performance with the Christine Day Band, and the possibility of other great prizes such as recording sessions, photo shoots, etc. from the various local sponsors.  Proceeds from the event will be applied towards the development of the ‘Santa Clarita Center for the Performing Arts’.  Last year’s winner, Christine Enns, donated a portion of her prize to Valencia High School.  Christine entered the contest on a lark as she was encouraging her students to participate.  The judges and audience succumbed to her sultry jazz/rhythm and blues stylings, as she narrowly defeated Tayler Donti and Lindsay Hough.

The competition will be divided into four age categories, and is open to ages five through Seniors.               

Each age group competes and is evaluated by 3 judges (75% of the total votes), and the audience (25% of the total votes), to determine a winner.   Each age category produces a finalist that will compete for the grand prize against the other age groups – which competition will result in the ‘overall ‘SCV’s Most Talented Performer’.  Horak is hoping to acquire additional sponsorships this year, that will offer the option to award two $1000 recording sessions, one for each – the best ‘youth performer’ and the best ‘adult performer’.

This is a chance to present your talent before a ‘very-impressive team of judges involved in the Entertainment Industry, such as Christine Day (a prominent Music Casting Director for vocalists and musicians in film and television), who will also serve as the ‘Co-Director’ of the competition this year.  Day’s passion, as Nancy’s, is to create an avenue for local talent which may lead to a blossoming career for them.

A musician/singer herself and having just released her new album, ‘Cover My Soul, Christine has a passion for young artists and is “always looking for good talent.”

Phil Lantis, the Arts and Events Administrator for Santa Clarita, returns as a judge this year.  Lantis supports the idea and believes it gives the community yet another opportunity to enjoy cultural experiences in the Santa Clarita Valley.  The competition gives kids and adults a chance to ‘shine’ and an ‘opportunity’ to show the community what they can do. 

The host, Nancy Dee Horak, is an established entertainer (formerly of Walt Disney World), Musical Director for the College of the Canyons’ Theatre Department, and director of ‘D.E.E. Studio Productions’ (a performance venue for children five to sixteen).  Due to last year’s tremendous turnout, it is recommended that you contact Nancy without delay to register for the ‘Preliminaries’ before your age-category becomes full.  All contestants must pre-register and a non-refundable fee will be due upon registration.  Semifinalist and finalists will need to be available to compete on at least three competition dates. 

The sponsors for the competition are: Command Audio & Lombardi Management (premium), D.E.E. Studio Productions (premium), Karaoke Unlimited,  KHTS AM-1220 Radio (premium), Lowe’s Music, Michael A. Corbin OD, Photos by Felicia, A Touch of Class, Vibe Performing Arts Studios, and World Music. 

For more information about the SCV’s Talented Performers, or to submit an application, contact:  Nancy Dee Horak  at: 661-254-4543.