"Easley's Rising Star" Contest Is Oct. 5

A new contest aims to spotlight the talents of area children and residents.

The First Annual “Easley's Rising Star” contest is for October 5 at the Foothills Playhouse.

The contest is a joint effort involving the Playhouse, the Fine Arts Center of Easley, Starving Artist Cafe and Easley Dance Conservatory, according to organizer Suzanne Goodman.

The contest was originally part of the Fall for the Arts Festival, but that event is up in the air right now, Goodman said.

“We decided to go ahead with the talent competition,” she said. “We're trying to promote the arts in the area. We're all in the arts because we love it. We want to promote local arts here, to keep people from going to Greenville for art events.”

If the Fall for the Arts festival falls through, Goodman hopes the “Easley's Rising Star” contest will serve as springboard for a festival next year.

The group is also working with area schools to promote a visual art contest in conjuction with the “Easley's Rising Star” contest.

The contest will begin at 6pm October 5 and is split into vocal performance, dance performance or instrumental performance categories, Goodman said.

There are four age divisions: Elementary (age 5-10), Middle (age 11-13), High School (age 14-18) and Adult (age 19 and up).

The competition is open to either solo acts or small ensembles, Goodman said.

The entry fee is $25 for a solo performer or $15 per person for an ensemble entry.

Prizes will be awarded in each category by age division as well as having a grand champion in each age division.

Entry forms can be obtained at the Fine Arts Center of Easley, Starving Artist Cafe or Easley Dance Conservatory or you can email Goodman at suzanne@easleyfestivals.com and she can send you one.

Applications must be in by Sept. 21.