In an unprecedented move to discover the “vocal stars of tomorrow” for future Musical Productions at their theatres, The Barnyard Group of Theatres has joined forces with popular entertainer Matthew Stewardson to stage the first of its kind – the BARNYARD STAR SEARCH Competition running until October, where the winner will walk away with not only a cash prize, but performance contract with the Barnyard Theatre Group as well!
It’s a well established fact within the entertainment industry that there is a wealth of musical talent and diversity within South Africa’s population, but so often that talent goes unnoticed because of there being so few avenues for the “average man in the street” to have the opportunity to audition for top-notch theatre productions; they just don’t know how to go about getting noticed by the theatre production companies!
The Barnyard Star Search Competition was conceived by Matthew Stewardson – himself a well-recognised stage performer in various Barnyard Theatre Productions – and when asked why he wished to stage something of this nature, his reply was a simple one;
“I’ve had the tremendous opportunity and privilege of being a part of this wonderful South African Entertainment Industry from a very young age when I was a K-TV presenter, and I’ve never looked back since! So many people out there, however, haven’t had those opportunities but have this amazing talent! I’m now at that stage in my career that I want to be a part of something “bigger” – and if by coming up with this concept gives just ONE person an opportunity to enjoy life on stage, then I’ll be happy! But of course – hopefully it opens doors for MANY people to join the SA Entertainment Industry!”
And so the idea of a “Star Search” was born. Matthew took the idea to Duck Chowles of The Barnyard Theatre Group who immediately jumped at the chance to get involved.
“We are constantly on the look out for new talent for our Productions”, says Duck, “not only to provide new voices and faces on our stages for our loyal audiences, but to also continue developing and nurturing our local entertainment industry to ensure its longevity. We believe a competition of this nature will bring out untapped musical talent that will only benefit our industry for a long time to come! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and anyone who believes they can sing, and who wishes to audition!”
AUDITIONS FOR THE BARNYARD STAR SEARCH COMPETITION
Conditions of Open Auditions for potential hopefuls
•Male and females from the age of 17 years or older are eligible for auditions
•The Audition is a VOCAL audition – the competition is looking for SINGERS
•No previous Barnyard Theatre experience allowed – i.e. if you’ve performed in a Barnyard Theatre show before, you can’t audition!
•Application Forms need to be collected from any one of the four participating Barnyard Theatres, before hand, filled in and handed in BEFORE the audition date. People wishing to audition can not just pitch up on the day. Application forms are already available at these venues.
Remaining Dates of Open Public Auditions
•Saturday, 4th August 10h00 Broadacres Barnyard
•Saturday, 11th August 10h00 Menlyn Barnyard
Requirements for Audition
•People wishing to audition can attend the Audition of their choosing – provided have stipulated that venue on their Audition Application Form, which then has to be handed in at that same venue before the audition date.
•Come prepared to sing 2 songs – one uptempo number and one ballad – and bring along your own backtracks. You can also sing a capella – but there will be no facility for sheet music to be performed.
•Bring along a current profile photo.
•Bring along a Musical CV if you have one (but not essential)
Public Attendance of Open Auditions
•Members of the public wishing to watch these open auditions can do so at a fee of R20 entrance fee.
•No prior bookings needed, but seating is strictly limited at each venue and therefore will be on a “first-come-first-served” basis until full.
•Each venue will have their bar open to serve refreshments throughout the day.
For further information, contact Matthew Stewardson.
