8th STL Teen Talent Competition Announces Winner

On Saturday, April 28th, 15 metro area high school acts brought the crowd to their feet when they performed on stage at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition Finals. Students competed for more than $40,000 in college scholarships, cash awards and special prizes. A full list of prizes along with official event information can be found on the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation's (FPACF) website. The distinguished panel of judges, performing arts professionals with careers spanning film, TV and Broadway, had the difficult job of judging the acts on interpretation, stage presence, technical ability, and originality.

1st place and an $8,000 college scholarship, underwritten by Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust, went to 16-year-old Nicaya Wiley from Kirkwood High School who performed to "This Bitter Earth" (photo attached). 2nd place and a $6,000 college scholarship went to Labels (Arielle Adams - 16-year-old from Hazelwood Central High School, Kelsey Carnes - 16-year-old from Francis Howell North High School, Madison Alexander - 14-year-old from Incarnate Word Academy, DessaRae Lampkins, De'Jai Walker, & Brooke Reese -17-year-olds from Hazelwood Central High School). Josh Royal is a 17-year-old from Pattonville High School and took the $4,000 scholarship for 3rd place for his performance to "She's Out of My Life." The $1,000 cash Audience Choice Award went to Labels for their performance. (Additional photos available upon request.)

Many additional special awards and prizes went to finalists and semi-finalists. A list of all prize winners can be found at the FPACF website. The group of 28 finalists will also have the opportunity to perform at a variety of events around the metro area. 2018 public appearances scheduled to date include the Muny, National Dance Week, Taste of Maplewood, Gateway Grizzlies, Shakespeare Festival, and Rising Stars Showcase.

For the 8th year, the professionally produced show was written and directed by Tony Parise (Broadway actor, dancer, director, choreographer and St. Louis native), musical direction by Stephen Neale (composer, conductor, pianist), and choreographed by Yvonne Meyer Hare (Professional Dance Center). Last year's first place winner, Christina Jones, returned to perform "God Bless the Child" and "The Greatest Love of All".

The Finals were recorded by The Nine Network for a special St. Louis Teen Talent Competition program to be aired on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at 5 pm (with rebroadcasts on May 22 at 9 pm, May 26 at 2 pm, and May 27 at 11 am). This special presentation is supported by World Wide Technology and The Steward Family Foundation which will provide the opportunity for a broader audience to experience the joy and magic that these aspiring artists bring to the Fox stage.

The 9th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition at The Fabulous Fox has been scheduled for April 13, 2019.

Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation fosters, promotes, and encourages young people in the St. Louis region to discover and participate in the joy and wonder of live performances.

In addition to the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition, the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation also produces a variety of other performing arts programs that focus on youth including Kids' Night at the Fabulous Fox, Broadway Master Classes, Educational Encores, and is a producing partner of the 2nd Annual St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards.

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