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

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.

Television Host: script will be provided to contestants prior to competition by Talent America Area Director and staff. Host will be introducing a new show, possibly fictional, ie: reality show, game show, competition show, sporting event.  It is preferred script be committed to memory, BUT a hand held script is allowed.

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

 FEMALE RUNWAY MODEL DIVISION

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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

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.  

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

Formal:  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.                                

Plus Size 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.

RUNWAY TIME LIMITS  

Solo:/Model 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

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MALE RUNWAY MODEL DIVISION

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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

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

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

RUNWAY TIME LIMITS  

Solo/Model: 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

Judging is based on song structure, concept, musicality, interpretation, rhythm, style and over-all appeal. This Division may only be submitted as a Video Submission to Talent America Headquarters

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 track is 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 critiqued.

SONGWRITING 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:

Comedy:  an entertainer whose act is designed to make an audience laugh. Cue cards and notes prohibited

Keyboard/Piano Instrumentalist:  contestant must play an 88 weighted key keyboard. Instrument is supplied by performer at preliminary and supplied by TA for National/International Finals

Magic: contestant entertains by apparently influencing events mysteriously by slight of hand or illusions, not allowed: fire, dangerous , chainsaws, knives and swords at Talent America discretion. This category is open to soloists, duo/trios and groups and will be judged together as ONE category regardless of number of members in the performance

Novelty: any other type of talent/act/performance that does not fit any other Talent America division and or category. This category is open to soloists, duo/trios and groups 

Percussionist: contestant must play either Drums, bongos, or cajon. Instrument is supplied by performer at preliminary and supplied by TA for National/International Finals

String Instrumentalist: contestant must play either Guitar, violin, cello, or banjo, Instrument is supplied by performer

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.

Wind Instrumentalist: contestant plays either  Brass instruments (horns, trumpets, trombones, and tubas) Woodwind instruments (recorders, flutes, oboes, clarinets, saxophones, and bassoons) Performer supplies instrument

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.

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

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

Inspirational/Gospel: contestant must perform a song lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith or referencing lyrics of a Christian nature. Song may be original, but will be judged on VOCAL performance NOT on songwriting. Contestants may sing a capella, accompany themselves or sing to a music track without lead vocals and preferably without background vocals.

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

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

Rock: also known as rock & roll. Contestant must perform a rock song.  Song may be original, but will be judged on VOCAL performance NOT on songwriting. Contestants may sing a capella, accompany themselves or sing to a music track without lead vocals and preferably without background vocals.

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

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