Auditions for Oxygen Art Centre’s second annual Youth Arts Festival Talent Slam take place on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre in Nelson. Anyone aged 15 to 29 and performing in any discipline is welcome to audition for a spot in this showcase of the Kootenay’s best young artists.
Singing, dancing, music, acting, comedy, performance art, poetry and spoken word, even short film and animations can be submitted for selection. Selected talent will receive one-on-one mentorship with professional artists Lucas Myers, Bessie Wapp or Slava Doval, to develop their acts for the big night. Pre-register for Talent Slam auditions online at oxygenartcentre.org
Oxygen Art Centre’s Youth Arts Festival aims to encourage youth to pursue their artistic talents and interests, and those of their peers in a professional and meaningful way, that can be celebrated by the community at large though attendance at the all-ages events.
The first annual festival was a smashing success, providing young Kootenay artists with a professional show and auditions to try out for, and an opportunity for some to hone their acts with seasoned professionals in the community. Over 200 people filled the Capitol Theatre for the first Talent Slam, and it was an inspiring and very heartfelt event with many original acts performed for the first time in a professional context.
The backstage lounge provided a creative hang out space and hosted a collaborative drawing project and an open mic that morphed into a open jam session with a dozen musicians including a drummer, several saxophonist, keyboardists, vocalists and the like. Building on this programming the second annual Youth Arts Festival will take place Feb. 13 and 14 and will include workshops and professional development opportunities in the arts.