Singing contest schedules auditions

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Mahoning Valley Singing Star Jr., an “American Idol”-style vocal competition, will have auditions April 16 at Trinity Fellowship Church, 4749 South Ave. All area students in grades four through 12 are invited to participate. Doors will open at 9 a.m.

Auditionees should bring G-rated sheet music or a CD. An accompanist will be provided. There is a $25 nonrefundable participation fee. Some partial and full scholarships are available to those who qualify.

The Mahoning Valley Singing Star Jr. competition will take place April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Fellowship Church. Judges will be Valley performers Rick Blackson and Mary Jo Maluso.

The grand-prize winner will receive a cash prize, singing lessons with Blackson, a speaking role in an upcoming musical theater production to be performed in the fall, connection with a local talent agent and a DVD of the production. First-place winners in each age group also will receive prizes

Mahoning Valley Singing Star Jr. is a fundraiser for Kids First Theatre Initiative, a new program aimed at giving students a full, inclusive theater experience in a safe, nurturing environment. The initiative will begin this summer with a four- to six-week Summer Theater Camp, and a Broadway-style musical to be performed in the fall.

The instructors are performing-arts professionals and teachers.

For further information, contact Brendan Byers at 330-406-0606.