Media Theatre has 'Vocalist' Auditions May 20, 21

Delco Idol is changing. The name, that is. The region’s premier vocal competition heads into its eighth summer at The Media Theatre with a new title that is more representative of the professional music theatre company’s mission. It will now be “The Vocalist”, setting the tone for The Media Theatre’s focus on musicals and music theatre education.

Auditions for “The Vocalist” will be held on Monday and Tuesday May 20 and 21 at 6pm. The contest will uphold most of the same rules and regulations as its successor, which produced several winners who have gone on to appear in professional productions at The Media Theatre and at other regional theatres (Lauren Cupples and Jack Raymond have been the most prominent in Delaware County).

There will still be a Junior version of the vocal contest as well. All ages may audition on the same nights and will be placed in the proper category according to their age. “The Vocalist” is for ages 14-24 while “Vocalist Junior” is for ages 7-13.

The summer contest will have 35 contestants culled from the auditions for both versions of “The Vocalist”.  Jesse Cline, the theatre’s Artistic Director, selects the individuals for the competition. “I look forward to seeing who attends the auditions,” he said. “There are many talented individuals who can be developed throughout the process. Watching them grow as performers each week as we rehearse with them and when they are in front of an audience is interesting and noteworthy. This is an educational event on certain levels for each of them, as well as an entertaining showcase.”

After the audition process, Cline chooses those he believes are the most capable and those who are able to apply direction he gives to what it is they do each week. “Contestants have a lot of pressure to deal with,” he explained. “They must be able to handle that as well as the ability to focus on their performance.”

“The contests are the perfect combination of our mission of music theatre and education,” Cline continued. “We are fortunate to have young people involved who are developing an interest in the performing arts and a more mature age group who study, learning their craft in some way.”

The five week competition provides an opportunity for each contestant to hone their skills in front of a large, enthusiastic live audience. “It’s a contest, but it’s also a showcase for these performers,” Cline said. “It’s fun for the performers and the audience.”

Cline and guest judges rate the singers each week until the final week, when the winner is announced. The winner of “The Vocalist” and “The Vocalist Junior” will receive a cash prize to assist in furthering their education or career and gift cards from local restaurants and businesses. Iron Workers Bank is sponsoring the competition.

There is a $25 registration fee for the auditions at The Media Theatre on May 20 and 21. All auditioning must bring sheet music for the pianist (Resident Music Director Tom Fosnocht). Any audition song is acceptable for both age groups. There is one main rule for those auditioning: Contestants must live within a 55-mile radius of The Media Theatre to be considered.

For more information, visit mediatheatre.org. You may register online, or register at the door the night of the auditions. No appointments; the auditions are held in order of ‘sign-up’ on both nights. No phone calls. Please email rer764@gmail.com with questions.