Talent Aspen offers kids a chance to strut their stuff
The Aspen Times
Aspen CO Colorado
ASPEN – In a time when budget cuts are forcing many schools to cut back their arts offerings, one group of Roaring Fork Valley residents is creating an opportunity for kids to show their talent.
“We have such amazing, talented kids throughout the valley that we wanted to do something to showcase that,” said Robin Hamill, an organizer of Talent Aspen, a talent show for kids in grades five through 12 from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. “I think it’s important to give kids a venue to perform – from signing in the shower to singing on the stage.”
According to Hamill, the idea behind for Talent Aspen is simple.
“We all know that the arts are the first thing to be cut, and while there are other things like Battle of the Bands, there isn’t really this type of show in the valley,” Hamill said.
In fact, the type of talent Hamill expects to see runs the gamut, from dancers and singers to magicians and performance artists.
The talent show – which begins Saturday with open call/elimination rounds and wraps up with the finals on Sunday – is open to all Roaring Fork Valley middle and high school kids. Judges for the show are Bobby Mason, Hal Thau and Courtney Thompson. Prize money will be offered, with the winner at each grade level receiving $100 and the middle and high school champions receiving $500 each.
“There are no strings attached to the prize money, but we do hope kids invest it back into their art,” Hamill said. “Really, our hope for the kids who participate and those who come to cheer them on is that they are inspired to be the best they can be.”
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