2023 TALENT AMERICA 50th ANNIVERSARY COMPETITION

Judging is based on acting ability, projection, believability, marketability, confidence, delivery technique and casting potential.

Category Descriptions:

Cold Read: script will be given to each contestant in this category during their registration. Script will be age appropriate, showcasing acting ability in a non-rehearsed environment. Script can be held in performers hand for reference, talent should try to be familiar with script. MC will be reading script with performer. Cold read gauges a performer's ability to perform new works. A good dramatic cold reader is able to communicate with fluency and clarity and to project speech rhythms and rhymes well, bringing out the intent, mood and characterization of a piece through appropriate articulation and body language.

Commercial: script should focus on commercial products, food, home and office products. Preferably no costumes, or large accessories. Commercial copy should be committed to memory

Comedic Monologue: material selection is at contestants’ discretion…A form of dramatic entertainment, comedic solo, or a prolonged humorous talk by a single speaker. Monologue should be committed to memory

Dramatic Monologue: material selection is at contestants’ discretion…A form in which a single character, addressing a silent auditor at a critical moment, reveals himself or herself and the dramatic situation.  Monologue should be committed to memory

Legit (Theatre) Monologue: material selection is at contestants’ discretion…A long speech by one actor in a play. Monologue should be committed to memory

Poetry: material selection shouid show special intensity when delivered. 

Public Speaking: contestant delivers a speech, topic is of their choosing. Must show conviction.

Scene (2 or 3 people ages 6 and up) material selection is at contestants discretion, scene should be age appropriate, scene should be committed to memory, Props acceptable.

Theatre Groups/Productions (4 or more people) material selection is at contestants discretion, scene should be age appropriate, scene should be committed to memory, Props acceptable.

Show and Tell (ages Tots & Toddlers, 3-5, 6-8 only) contestants must display a hand held object and describe the object or event or emotion connected to said object. 

Television Host: script will be provided by contestant. Host will be introducing a new show, possibly fictional, ie: reality show, game show, competition show, sporting event.  It is preferred that the script be committed to memory, BUT a hand held script is allowed.

Voice Over: actor will be seen in video performing their voice over acting script, but will only be judged on what is HEARD not seen.

VO Character:  actor will perform a "character" voice(s) showcasing their voice and acting abilities. Judges will judge what they HEAR and not what they see.

ACTING TIME LIMITS 

Solo: 2:00 

Duo/Trio/Scene: 2:30 

Small Group: 3:00   

Large Group: 3: 00   

Small Production: 3:00    

Large Production: 3:00

Extended Time 1: 4:00

Extended Time 2: 5:00  

Judging is based on technique, execution, costuming, musical interpretation, originality, synchronization/timing, stage presence, and overall impression.

Category Descriptions:

Acrobatics/Gymnastics: consists of tumbling movements incorporated to music

Ballet/Pointe:   consists of ballet or pointe technique, must include classical steps & movement.                          

Hip-Hop:  consists of fusion, street, funk, MTV style movements, no obscenities in music allowed

Jazz:  consists of jazz technique utilizing up tempo music 

Lyrical/Contemporary:  consists of jazz, ballet technique, interpretative movement, demonstrating strength, control & lyric interpretation

Musical Theatre/Song & Dance:  For Musical Theatre: consists of Broadway/theatre style movements, For Song & Dance: dance movements and vocal performance, track must NOT have lead vocals, but background tracks are OK.

Open:  consists of all other dance/movement categories, ie: folkloric/ethnic, modern, lip sync, etc…

Tap: consists of tap technique, classic, contemporary, stomp, etc...must wear tap shoes

DANCE TIME LIMITS  

Solo: 2:00  

Duo/Trio: 2:30   

Small Group: 3:00   

Large Group: 3: 00   

Small Production: 3:00    

Large Production: 3:00

Extended Time 1: 4:00

Extended Time 2: 5:00

Judging is based on entertainment factor, technique, artistry, skill, delivery, musicality and commercial appeal.

Category Descriptions:

Brass: contestant must play a brass instrument, ie: trumpet, tuba, french horn, trombone,

Keyboard/Piano Instrumentalist:  contestant must play an 88 weighted key keyboard.

Percussionist: contestant must play either Drums, bongos, or cajon.

String Instrumentalist: contestant must play either Guitar, violin, cello, or banjo, 

Wind Instrumentalist:  contestant plays either   Woodwind instruments (recorders, flutes, oboes, clarinets, saxophones, and bassoons)

Musician's Choice: contestant plays the instrument(s) of their choice

INSTRUMENTAL TIME LIMITS:  

Solo: 2:00  

Duo/Trio: 2:30   

Small Group: 3:00   

Large Group: 3: 00   

Small Production: 3:00    

Large Production: 3:00

Extended Time 1: 4:00

Extended Time 2: 5:00 

Judging is based on clarity, connection, originality, photogenicness, commercial appeal and overall impression.

FEMALE PRINT

Open to all Contestants-

Pre-qualifying not required

6 Category Descriptions:

Beauty Print: ages 15 & up, this is a color headshot that showcases the model with superb makeup

Catalog Print: all ages, full length color picture showcasing the outfit 

Commercial Print: all ages, color picture must be with a product

Editorial Print: ages 15 & up, 5’8”& up, size 0-6,

Fitness Print:  all ages, color picture showcasing the body in workout wear, a physique shot

Head Shot: all ages, color headshot showcasing talent

MALE PRINT

Open to all Contestants-

Pre-qualifying not required

5 Category Descriptions: 

Catalog Print: all ages, full length color picture showcasing the outfit

Commercial Print: all ages, color picture must be with a product

Editorial Print: ages 15 & up, 6’ & up,

Fitness Print: ages 15 & up, color picture showcasing the body in workout wear, a physique shot

Head Shot: all ages, color headshot showcasing talent

FEMALE MODEL DIVISION

Judging is based on confidence, grace, poise, physique, posture, marketability, connection to the audience and overall presentation. Models clothing choices should portray the contestant’s personal sense of style and fashion.

Category Descriptions

Avant-Garde: all ages, model will showcase any style outfit that allows total expression, while showing poses, turns, walking,

Casual: model will showcase casual wear or sportswear, while walking, turning and posing.         

Petite Casual: ages 15 & up, 5’2”-5’6”, size 0-4 model will showcase casual wear or sportswear, while walking, turning and posing.  

Full Figure Casual: ages 18 & up, 5’6” & up, size 10-14 model will showcase casual wear or sportswear, while walking, turning and posing.

Formal: all ages, model will showcase dressy or formal wear, while walking, turning and posing. Short or long dresses are allowed.   

Petite Formal: ages 15 & up, 5’2”-5’6”, size 0-4 model will showcase dressy or formal wear, while walking, turning and posing. Short or long dresses are allowed.     

Full Figure Formal: ages 18 & up, 5’6” & up, size 10-14 model will showcase dressy or formal wear, while walking, turning and posing. Short or long dresses are allowed.

Fitness: all ages, model showcases their physique by wearing fitness/workout wear

High Fashion: models must be 5'6" and up, all ages, sharing their glamorous look with hair, make-up and wardrobe.

Spokesmodel: all ages, model must talk about a beauty product and display the product while sharing information about it. Hair, Makeup, lotions, etc.

Swimwear: all ages, model showcases beach or swimwear while walking, turning, posing. 

TIME LIMITS  

Model/Solo: 1:30 

Duo/Trio: 2:30   

Small Group: 3:00   

Large Group: 3: 00   

Small Production: 3:00    

Large Production: 3:00

Extended Time 1: 4:00

Extended Time 2: 5:00

​

MALE MODEL DIVISION

​Judging is based on masculine style, marketability, ability to display their character, physical attributes, style and self-confidence and stage presence. A lean, well-proportioned, physically fit, toned and healthy looking body is the look that is wanted.

Category Descriptions

Avant-Garde: all ages, model will showcae any style outfit that allows total expression, while showing poses, turns, walking,

Casual:  model will showcase casual wear or sportswear, while walking, turning and posing.

Formal:  all ages, model will showcase dressy or formalwear, while walking, turning and posing. Suit, Tuxedo or Business attire are suggested.   

Fitness:  all ages, model showcases their physique by wearing fitness/workout wear

High Fashion: models must be 5'6" and up, all ages, sharing their glamorous look with hair, make-up and wardrobe.

Spokesmodel: all ages, model must talk about a beauty product and display the product while sharing information about it. Hair,  lotions, shave products etc.

Swimwear: all ages, model showcases beach or swimwear while walking, turning, posing.

TIME LIMITS  

Model/Solo: 1:30 

Duo/Trio: 2:30   

Small Group: 3:00   

Large Group: 3: 00   

Small Production: 3:00    

Large Production: 3:00

Judging is based on song structure, concept, musicality, interpretation, rhythm, style and overall appeal. 

Category Descriptions:

Singer/Songwriter: song must be performed by the songwriter(s) of the song being performed. Original song will be critiqued as well as vocal and musical performance/track of song.  Should the Singer/Songwriter(s) not be able to accompany themselves, ONE accompanist is allowed, but is not allowed to sing. Musical tracks are also allowed, but no lead vocals.

Song Only:  song may be performed by any vocalist, accompanying themselves, with ONE accompanist if they cannot accompany themselves, or with a track with no lead vocal on it.  Performance of song and accompanist will not be evaluated, only the “song” will be scored.

TIME LIMITS  

SOLO: 3:00  

Duo/Trio: 3:00  

Small Group: 3:00   

Large Group: 3: 00   

Small Production: 3:00    

Large Production: 3:00

Extended Time 1: 4:00

Extended Time 2: 5:00

 Judging is based on entertainment factor, technique, artistry, skill, delivery, musicality and commercial appeal.

Category Descriptions:

Aerial Silks: a performer performs aerial acrobatics while hanging from a piece of fabric.

Baton: a performer who twirls a baton or baton(s) while performing to music. Fire batons prohibited.

Cheer: a performer who performs cheers and formation changes or dance movements.

Comedy: an entertainer whose act is designed to make an audience laugh. 

Magic: contestant entertains by apparently influencing events mysteriously by slight of hand or illusions, fire and confetti are prohibited 

Novelty/Open: any other type of talent/act/performance that does not fit any other Talent America division and or category. 

Pom: contestant performs a dance or cheer routine using poms.

Ventriloquist: contestant speaks or utter sounds so that they seem to come from somewhere else, especially an entertainer who makes their voice appear to come from a dummy of a person or animal.

VARIETY TIME LIMITS:  

Solo: 2:00  

Duo/Trio: 2:30   

Small Group: 3:00   

Large Group: 3: 00   

Small Production: 3:00    

Large Production: 3:00

Extended Time 1: 4:00

Extended Time 2: 5:00  

 Judging is based on vocal quality, tonality, musical skills, delivery, confidence, musicality, lyrical interpretation, and star quality. Costuming is optional. Microphone(s) provided.

Contestants may sing a capella, accompany themselves or sing to a music track without lead vocals and preferably without background vocals. Song may be original, but will be judged on VOCAL performance NOT on songwriting. 

Category Descriptions:

Broadway/Classical: contestant must perform either a Broadway, Off Broadway or Theatre show tune or a classical/operatic style song.

Country: contestant must perform a traditional, or contemporary country style song. Hip-Hop/Rap: contestant must perform a song consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted. No obscene lyrics allowed.  

Inspirational/Gospel: contestant must perform a song lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith or referencing lyrics of a Christian nature. 

Pop: contestant must perform a Popular or secular song.  

R&B/Jazz: also known as Rhythm and blues. Contestant must perform an urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a heavy, insistent beat. or a classic jazz style song. 

Rock: also known as rock & roll. Contestant must perform a rock song.  

Singer's Choice:  Contestant pick the song of their choice, any genre or combination of genres. 

VOCAL TIME LIMITS   

Solo: 2:00  

Duo/Trio: 2:30   

Small Group: 3:00   

Large Group: 3: 00   

Small Production: 3:00    

Large Production: 3:00

Extended Time 1: 4:00

Extended Time 2: 5:00

Suggestions: limit long intros of songs.  Contact TA headquarters if you require song editing, we can suggest someone, 

Make sure song choice is age appropriate and meets judging criteria. Select songs that showcase performer’s voice,