Because of so much interest from the surrounding towns in Fairfield County, the producers of The Darien Arts Center’s (DAC) “Darien’s Got Talent” have decided to open up auditions to anyone who can sing, dance, do magic tricks, play an instrument, or perform just about any other talent, according to DAC Executive Director, Amy Allen. “We know there is so much talent in this area and I am delighted that the producers have made the decision to include the surrounding towns in our first ever talent fund raiser,” said Allen. “It is shaping up to be a great event. This is no time to be shy. Get your act together for all to see.”
The preliminary auditions for “Darien’s Got Talent,” will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Darien Town Hall Auditorium, 2 Renshaw Rd., Darien. Finalists will be decided during the two-day preliminary auditions by a panel of prominent judges. They include: TV, film and Broadway actor, Matt Porretta (“Wings,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights); Ted Yudain (Ct. Commission on Culture and Tourism). Also, professional actress and singer, Mary Dunn; and Susan Warren, who taught and mentored more than 5,000 young ballerinas to dance during the 43 years she directed “Ballet with Susan Warren” at the YWCA Darien/Norwalk.
The finals of “Darien’s Got Talent” takes place Saturday, June 30, at 7 p.m. at the same location. The evening will include 15 finalists, selected from the preliminary auditions, performing before celebrity judges, for three top cash prizes. The panel of celebrity judges thus far include: Sony executive John Doelp; professional dancer, Barbara Goldsmith; Broadway performer Dan Micciche (“Chicago”); Broadway producer Ed Schloss (“Grey Gardens,” “Wonderful Town,” “La Cage,” “Sweet Charity,” “Kiss Me Kate”); and professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, Yoav Levin. Yoav is a faculty member at AMDA NYC and teaches around the country and in Israel.
With so many talent competitions on TV – from “The Voice” to “America’s Got Talent,” to “American Idol,” – you may have found yourself thinking, “I can do that!” Well, if you can, then this is your chance to prove it to all of Darien!
Do you think you can dance like Jennifer Lopez, sing like Christina Aguilera, or play a musical instrument better than Yo Yo Ma or Jimmy Hendrix? Maybe you are the next Jim Carrey at stand-up comedy, or a magician like Harry Houdini! Do you posses Meryl Streep’s gift for dramatic interpretation, or the martial arts skills of Bruce Lee? If the above describes you, and you are between the ages of 10 and 100, then start preparing for some awesome auditions, where the only thing you have to fear is the competition!
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Rules of the Road
To audition, you must be at least 10 years old by June 1, 2012. Except for dance, only live music is permitted. There will be an accompanist at the auditions, and for the finals. Only bring music in your key. There will be no transposing and no exceptions. Please limit your audition to a maximum of three minutes. If you are under the age of 18, you should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
To participate in “Darien’s Got Talent”, you must register online no later than May 21, to be eligible for an audition spot. For more information, including a complete list of eligibility requirements, contact the Darien Arts Center’s administration office at 203 655 8683.
The DAC “Darien’s Got Talent” is a fund-raising event for the nonprofit organization, which offers educational programming in dance, visual arts, theatre and music, as well as productions from its performing arts wing, The Darien Players and Cabaret Theatre. Proceeds from the event, as well as private donations, tuition fees and ticket sales, go toward funding these creative endeavors and help to continue the ongoing efforts of the DAC.
The evening is being produced by Mary Crawford, Carol Glassmeyer, Patricia Mozingo, and Pam Heckel, and directed by Carole Claps.
Tickets for the fund-raiser on June 30 may only be purchased online at arts.darien.org. Prices: $35 adults; $25 children (12 and under). Premium seating ($75) includes a theatre après champagne reception. For questions, call the DAC administration office at 203 655 8683.
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About the Darien Arts Center: Founded in 1975, and located directly behind the Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road, the Darien Arts Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community. For further information, call 203 655 8683 or visit the Web site at arts.darien.org.
