The Media Theatre's 'Vocalist 2018' Announces Contestants

You don't have to go to NYC to find talented young up-and-coming performers. The Media Theatre's summer contest "The Vocalist" allows local young singers to shine on stage Wednesday nights at 7pm (July 11, 18, and 25), while "Vocalist Junior" entertains on Sundays at 7pm July 8 through August 5.

The singers in "Vocalist" are in the age range of 14-24, and the "Junior" contestants are ages 7-13. The annual competition is very entertaining for audiences, much like the popular national singing contests on television. Produced by Media Music Theatre Co., the weekly showcases provide ample opportunity for the contestants, allowing them a chance to perform for large audiences while honing their skills on Delaware County's only professional music theater stage.

The contestants have been culled from recent auditions. "Audiences will actually get to see each contestant grow," said Media Music Theatre Co. Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "We also look at this as an educational experience. So, rather than singing one song and leaving the competition, each vocalist has the opportunity to learn a bit more about what it takes to perform in front of an audience on a professional stage."

Cline, as the one constant judge, is a part of an important process in the competition. He will have an extra category on his ballot that will not appear on the guest judges' tally sheets. His added category is Individualism, which reflects his connection to the singers each week and his rapport with them following their performances.

Cline said. "There may be a week in which a young singer falters a bit, but I will know what they are capable of and who they are. The Individualism category speaks to the fact that each contestant is unique. Their interests and what is best for them should come first. Each has their own story to tell in their own way."

The guest judges will mark their ballots in three categories: Song Choice, Vocal Ability, and Stage Presence. Cline will have those three, plus his extra category. All categories will utilize a 1-10 ranking system, with 1 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest.

Online voting will take place again this year. As with the judges' scoring, the online voting will also be accumulated.

"We value our first-time Media Theatre performers as well as those returning," Cline said. "To have so many aspiring young vocalists from Delaware County and the Philadelphia region interested in our programs here is a big stamp of approval."

The top five in each contest receive cash prizes. "Vocalist" and its "Junior" counterpart is sponsored by Iron Workers Bank. For tickets call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

The 2018 "Vocalist" Contestants are:

Alicia Bartosik, 16, Garnet Valley; Kiera Bauer, 14, Delco; Joseph Colasante, 15, Brookhaven; Julia deGruchy, 23, Philadelphia; Shaelyn Rayne Fabik, 18, Drexel Hill; Brooke Falls, 18, Glenolden; Lauren Faulkner, 17, Glenolden; Paul Mariani III, 18, Malvern; Ben Mergott, 17, Swarthmore; Danny Murphy, 19, Havertown; Charlotte Petitdemang, 19, Salem, NJ; Breanne Sensenig, 21, Mountville; Zagara Sims, 14, Coatesville; Paul Vink, 16, West Chester; Julia Zane, 16, Glenolden

The 2017 "Vocalist Junior" contestants are Laina Alam, 11, of Wallingford; Zachary Amos, 12, Aston; Savi Bell, 11, Lafayette Hill; Avery Staley-Bischoff, 12, Wallingford; Charlie Carroccio, 7, Newtown Square; Cassidy Else, 13, Drexel Hill; Katie Foca, 12, Wallingford; Alex Hamel, 11, Phoenixville; Julia Irizarry, 13, Magnolia, DE; Toby Intham, 12, Media; Krista Jackson, 10, Crum Lynne; Margo Leicht, 9, Delco; Anne Mesiriak, 12, Pottstown; Ryan Ming, 8, Garnett Valley; Zoe Nesbitt, 8, Drexel Hill; Caleb Rosenfeld, 9, Wynnewood; Kai Sherman, 12, Wynnewood; Charlotte Taylor, 9, Delco; Amaia Truong, 8, Wayne; Madison Van Horn, 11, Media; Mary Kate Vink, 12, West Chester.

Pictured: Previous "Vocalist Junior" contestant Brynn Washbourne. Each week, young singers perform songs of their choice to entertain audiences and possibly win a cash prize.

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