Jermaine Cruickshank
Registration for the Youth on Stage National Youth Festival and Talent Search opened yesterday, online with all individuals/groups wishing to audition welcome to register via the ministry’s website at www.mydns.gov.tt It is open to interested artisans between the ages of ten and 35.
Popular emcee, DJ and host Major Penny welcomed this new talent showcase opportunity with performances by entertainers such as Salty, Erphaan Alves, Akeem 5.0, Viking Ding Dong, Jaron Nurse and Kaitlin Sultan.
An initiative of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS), the Youth on Stage – National Youth Festival and Talent Search was launched last Friday on the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain with scheduled stops in Arima (March 21) San Fernando (March 19) and Port of Spain (March 17).
A release from the MYDNS says the project aims to provide aspiring young talents with guidance, resources, and industry insights to help them navigate a career in the creative and cultural sectors. This initiative realises Pillar 1 of the National Youth Policy (2020-2025): Prioritising Youth Economic Participation and Empowerment.
Also, the MYDNS has articulated its intention to support the youth population in the creative sector within the National Youth Policy (2020-2025) under Pillar 2: Harnessing Youth Social and Intellectual Capital, which speaks to supporting the development of critical sectors such as visual and performing arts as avenues for non-formal youth work.
In 2023, the MYDNS hosted a North and South installation of its Youth on Stage Talent Explosion, which essentially celebrated youth talent within the performing arts sector. It involved a full production featuring professional youth talent across the entertainment industry comprising music, theatre, comedy, and dance.
The Youth on Stage Talent Explosion initiatives highlighted the vastness and diversity of our local creative community, as well as the interest in and appreciation for performing arts amongst the youth population in Trinidad and Tobago. This was the catalyst for implementing a youth talent search across the local performing arts sector.
YOUTH ON STAGE OBJECTIVES
1. To provide an opportunity for youth in the performing arts to exhibit their talents;
2.To provide mentorship, coaching and guidance to aspiring youth artistes from established industry experts;
3. To provide a forum where careers in the performing arts can be showcased as pathways to viable employment in the music and entertainment sector;
4. To validate and reward the top three entries for dedication to the development of their talents.
The Youth on Stage – National Youth Festival and Talent Search initiative will target nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, ages ten to 35 years old, with an interest in performing arts, who are considered amateurs. Persons can enter as an individual or as a group consisting of no more than four persons.
. The areas of performing arts that will be adjudicated are as follows:
: • Music (Voice & Instrumental)
: • Dance
: • Drama
• Variety Acts (monologues, spoken word, plays/skits, magic/illusions, mime, stand-up comedy
Unique acts are welcomed
. The talent search aspect will consist of four levels: Auditions, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals. Sixty entries will proceed to the quarter-finals, 20 entries will proceed to the semi-finals and ten will go on to the final round.
All quarter-finalists will receive Artiste Development Training, helping contestants to cultivate their brand and refine their abilities as performers to forge a successful career in performing arts.
Some Topics that will be covered are building an image and brand, song writing, voice training, performance coaching, money management, and more. Industry professionals will facilitate training.
Individuals/groups wishing to audition can register via the ministry’s website at www.mydns.gov.tt, click on the Youth on Stage banner and fill out the registration form.
