Local Student Emily Smith Wins Media Theatre's 'Vocalist Junior' Contest

The Smith household has something to be proud of. David and Inge's daughter, 11 year old Emily Smith, won the 2013 "Vocalist Junior" contest at The Media Theatre. She zoomed ahead of the competition with smart song choices and an intriguing-sometimes humorous-stage presence with songs such as "Diva's Lament" from Broadway's Spamalot and "Four Chord Song" which is a hilarious ditty about the fact that all popular pop tunes share the same basic structure and composition.

Emily Smith captivated the adoring audience during "Vocalist Junior" finals as well as the judges which included Artistic Director Jesse Cline. She has been in the summer contest before, back when it was named "Delco Idol Junior", returning this year with talent sparkling and a huge amount of confidence and focus. Interestingly, her older brother Gregory Smith won "Delco Idol Junior" three years ago with his renditions of Broadway classics.

Emily walked away with accolades and a $500 check as the contest, sponsored by Iron Workers Bank, came to a close. When asked what she would do with the $500, she did not blink an eye before stating "I will buy ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream!"

She also said, "Honestly I did not think I would get into the finals let alone get to the top spot. There were so many talented people. This is just awesome!"

The sixth grade student at Episcopal Academy has her eyes on her performance future. "I hope to get an agent and be on Broadway," she said. "I feel great right now and have a fun time on stage doing musical comedy and singing."

Second place went to 13 year old Selena Marie of Maple Shade, New Jersey, who won $100. For her final number, she performed a wonderful rendition of "Part of Your World" from Disney's The Little Mermaid, clearly acting her heart out while singing every note perfectly.

The second act of the Final Round, usually reserved for the Top Five top point-getters from act one, had six fortunate young ladies giving it their all due to a first-ever tie within one of The Media Theatre's summer singing contests. John Whitig, the President of Iron Workers Bank, said "If it was up to me I would have given a 15-way tie tonight. That's how good everyone was."

The other talented performers who were in the top six and each received a cash prize were: Emily Steinhardt, 13, of Berwyn; Rachel McVey, 9, Norristown; Elaina Fitzgerald, 11, Media; and Fiona Moser, 10, of Havertown.

The "Vocalist Junior" finals, more so than in years past, truly spoke to the mission of The Media Music Theatre Company housed at The Media Theatre. 99% of the song choices were musical theatre pieces.

"This is what we do," Cline said. "We have a commitment to the community, as does Iron Workers Bank. It's not about who wins, even though that is the eventual outcome. It's about education within a true growth experience for these youngsters who have an interest and a passion for music theatre."

Several more opportunities are coming up for youth at The Media Theatre. The Fall session of acting classes begins September 7, while auditions for The New School and the children's ensemble of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" both take place Saturday August 17.

Call 610-891-0100 for information or visit mediatheatre.org

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