(ROCKWALL-December 26, 2012) It’s time for the third annual Rockwall’s Got Talent, a local talent show that puts the fun in fundraising. The showcase for gifted entertainers is the brainchild of Rockwall Community Playhouse’s Board of Directors.
Rockwall Community Playhouse, which was founded in 1995, is located in a tiny building on East Rusk Street which was formerly used as a church. The theater has an entertaining season of musicals, dramas, comedies, children and teen shows each year.
Since the auditorium seats just 84 audience members, the experience is intimate, and after each performance, everyone is invited to the stage to visit with the actors. For the past 18 years, the plays have been chosen to suit the small venue.
In 2006, RCP launched a capital campaign, and with the help of the community, recently paid off the note on a tract of land they purchased for a new theater complex. Plans are underway to develop a roomier building on Airport Road. The structure will be large enough to seat 300 people and to store props, sets and costumes. There will be plenty of space for parking, and the facility will allow more flexibility in the type of production that can be staged.
One way the board envisioned to raise money for the project is to showcase the best of the town’s performers in a competition with cash prizes donated by Community Bank ($1000), Texas Presbyterian Hospital ($500), and North Texas Appliance ($250). The goal is not only to raise money but to shine a light on the gifted population of Rockwall, as well.
Last year’s winner, Amber Carrington, had a great time during the process. “It was very cool to meet everyone in the competition,” she remembers. “I was honored to win, because I’ve lived in Rockwall since I was in fourth grade and loved representing my city with what I love to do.”
Carrington sang Beyonce’s song Listen for the competition. “I usually prefer country music,” she said. “But I decided to try something different for Rockwall’s Got Talent. Although she has been singing for ten years, she’s never had a vocal lesson. “I have a musical family, so I guess it’s just in my blood!” she laughs. Carrington said that the best thing about participating in the talent show was that it gave her the confidence to pursue singing as a profession.
Gary Freedman, The Voice of Rockwall, is an enthusiastic supporter of Rockwall’s Got Talent and often serves as emcee of the show. “It is exciting, as well as rewarding to help inspire talented people. I believe RCP helps instill in them a greater belief in themselves and what they are capable of. I feel pride in being involved in RCP and helping do what we do in the community.”
Deb Ballard shares, “What I like best about Rockwall’s Got Talent is what I like best about auditioning for a show at RCP—the warmth and supportive nature of the people in charge. It takes a lot of nerve to get up on a stage in front of people you don’t know and allow them to judge your talent! But at RCP, everyone knows what that feels like, and we do our best to make everyone feel at ease. We cheer and encourage every entry and the whole process is a lot of fun, not nerve-wracking at all. Creativity brings joy to your life. If you have a talent you want to express, Rockwall’s Got Talent is the perfect springboard.”
The show is truly a community event, because like the television show Dancing with the Stars, at Rockwall’s Got Talent, each audience member votes for his or her favorite act. Then audience votes are combined and considered as one Judge Vote and added to the other judges’ scores. Rockwall Playhouse board member, Darlene Singleton states, “It is exciting for the audience members, since their votes count. So attending the event to support your favorite performer is important!”
This year’s judging panel includes vocalist and choreographer Danny Miranda, Dallas artist/vocal coach Patricia Ivey, Rockwall Mayor David Sweet, and actor/vocalist Steven Griffin.
Whiney Rosenbalm suggests the following tips for contestants. “First, be original. Some of our favorite winners have talents like ventriloquism—it isn’t just a singing competition. If you do sing and/or dance, be sure to show your personality in your song choice. Secondly, be prepared. Test your backing tracks in a CD player AND your computer, and remember to bring your CD. If you have special needs (like a piano, resin for the floor, a rabbit for your hat) let us know in advance in case we can accommodate you. You don’t want to be the act everyone has to wait on. Last but not least, be appropriate. If you don’t understand the music you’re dancing to or the song you’re singing, it’s probably not appropriate for your age. Judy Dench wouldn’t sing I am 16 Going on 17 for a reason.”
Curtis Roughton enjoys his job backstage during the event. “It’s fun to watch everyone either warming up their vocals or fine tuning their acts. Some are nervous, while others are used to the competition. I get to talk to the participants to let them know how, when and where to enter and exit. Just talking to them seems to help calm them down. The key to Rockwall’s Got Talent, is to go out and have fun.”
Dennis Gullion wants to encourage people of all ages to join in. “I know there are talented Baby Boomers out there,” he states. “Also, I’d like to see a greater variety of acts in Rockwall’s Got Talent. Our event is very similar to America’s Got Talent, and this year their top winner was a dog act. Second place was a comedian.” So bring whatever talent makes you special and audition.
Auditions are being held by appointment only at Rockwall Community Playhouse (609 E. Rusk, Rockwall) on January 5 and 6, 2013. Registration is $20 per act. Semi-Finals will be held January 11 at 7 pm with finals being held January 18 at 7 pm.
Prizes include:
$1000 for first place (donated by Community Bank)
$500 for second (donated by Texas Presbyterian Hospital)
and $250 for third place (donated by North Texas Appliance.)
Applications can be downloaded at rockwallcommunityplayhouse.org.
Submitted by Mary Thacker.
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