Clayton Students Advance in Teen Talent Competition

The third Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition moves on to its semi-final round Saturday, March 2, when 37 high school acts take the stage to select finalists who will compete at The Fabulous Fox on Friday, April 12 (a complete list of students/schools can be found here). 

Two Clayton High School students advanced to the next round. They are:

• Rada Lowery — singer, pianist
• Phylissa Milam — singer

This year, 155 acts—30 percent more than last year—registered to compete.

Read our previous story: Rada Lowery Advances in Talent Competition

In early February the competition process began with a two-day preliminary round held at three locations. Thirty seven semi-finalists were selected to compete on March 2.

 Judges for the 2013 semi-final round include professionals from St. Louis performing arts organizations. A complete list of semi-final judges can be found on the FPACF website. Competitors are eligible to win scholarships, special awards and prizes as well as the opportunity to perform at area venues and events throughout the upcoming year. 

Last year finalists showcased their talents at The Muny, the Shakespeare Festival, Webster’s Art & Air Festival, Dancing in the Street and the National Dance Week Celebration at Union Station.

The Teen Talent Showcase was created and produced by Mary Strauss at the Fox Theatre in 1985 and 1986. The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation (FPACF) reintroduced the competition in 2011 to spotlight the St. Louis region’s most talented teens in the performing arts; singers, dancers, actors, musicians, comedians and circus arts performers.

“We saw 213 students compete in the first round of competition. We were blown away by the talent we saw this year. The judges had a difficult time narrowing the field to the current 37 semi-final acts.  I’m looking forward to the semis to see who makes it to the finals on the Fox Stage. The final competition and show is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to see great talent on the Fox stage free of charge,” said Strauss. “We hope the public will come out and support our talented teens. We are thrilled with the amazing community response to our free final competitions which have resulted in sold-out crowds.”  

Free tickets will be available March 1 through Metrotix and at The Fox box office.