The Media Theatre Presents THE VOCALIST CONTEST, 7/10-08/7

The Media Theatre's summer singing contests "The Vocalist" and its Junior counterpArt Start up the week after July Fourth. Two warm and welcoming emcees will preside over the competition. FOX-TV's morning anchor Sue Serio returns for her fourth summer and local actress Micki Sharpe begins a new tradition as the emcee for its Junior portion. The contest was previously titled "Delco Idol". It will, for the third year, be sponsored by Iron Workers Bank of Media and Aston.

Sue Serio, seen by thousands of viewers on FOX-TV weekday mornings, looks forward to returning to the summer's singing sensation. She will emcee the Wednesday night contest in which talented youth ages 14-24 vie for the title of "The Vocalist 2013".

"You know I can't imagine my summer without this event," she said. "Wednesday nights are super in Media with Dining Under the Stars and "The Vocalist". It's an honor to be involved as this is such an ideal way to educate young burgeoning talent. One of them will eventually win, but to me they are all winners!"

Serio was also seen on The Media Theatre stage in the production "Love Letters" in which she shared the stage with her husband, Bill Vargus. "We love The Media Theatre," she stated. "Fantastic professional productions right here in Delaware County -It's a privilege for us to have this place. We are happy to assist it further its mission of music theatre and education."

Micki Sharpe, a Philadelphia actress, will emcee the Sunday night "Vocalist Junior" with talented singers ages 7-13. She was in the original production of "Nunsense" at Society Hill Playhouse 25 years ago. She also toured the show with Edie Adams and has appeared in numerous plays and musicals over the past three decades. She has been seen at The Media Theatre in "Fiddler on the Roof" and most recently in "Mame" where she had the opportunity to portray Vera alongside the legendary Andrea McArdle. She is also a director/ choreographer and developed a drama program at Bishop McGuinness High School.

"I was thrilled to be asked to emcee this summer," Sharpe said. "The Media Theatre is a local gem and this contest is a terrific showcase for young talent."

In "The Vocalist" contests singers perform weekly for large audiences at The Media Theatre. They choose songs they like singing at first, until the final week when they must perform one show tune, bridging the contest to the theatre's mission of music theatre and education. Contestants are rated in several categories by Artistic Director Jesse Cline and guest judges. Those with the highest scores move on with the lower scores being eliminated. Eventually, there is a top 15 who move onto the final week.

"This contest has its origin in the reputation of The Media Theatre's music theatre company as an educational theatrical organization," Cline explained. "Its intent remains to give young people a weekly showcase to highlight their talent for appreciative audiences. "The Vocalist" is a competition, of course, which adds to the excitement for everyone including the contestants. But the most important thing is the learning process for those involved."

"We changed the title because we want it to be something we can own," Cline continued. "There is no connection to "American Idol" aside from the fact that both highlight young talent in a competition style. "The Vocalist" is The Media Theatre's summer contest, which we regulate and organize. There are a lot of "Idol" contests out there, but none of them are like this one."

For tickets, or information, for "The Vocalist" call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

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