Once again, the talented youth of Lanark County came out to audition for this year’s show. “We had over 50 performers – dancers, singers, duets, trios, poets and musicians – audition”, said Artistic Director Christy Bindhardt, “and it was really tough to choose the 15 semi-finalists. We were blown away by the talent this year – the variety and the depth was amazing. Truly, it is the best yet!”.
What started off as a dream of Notre Dame High School student Jeff Gourgon, has turned into an annual event, with the show now in its third year. Auditions were held last week in Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, and Perth at local High Schools – Almonte District, Notre Dame Catholic, Smiths Falls & District and Perth & District. “We really appreciate the support of the schools, and both the UCDSB and CDSBEO for letting us use their facilities – it makes it so much easier for the youth to access the auditions”, noted the show’s Producer, Fraser Scantlebury, of the United Way Lanark County. “Our finale will be at the Mason Theatre at Perth & District Collegiate Institute on October 26th – admission is by donation at the front door, and we are looking forward to a great show, with our fantastic youth talent!”
“At the Finale, the semi-finalists will perform for the audience and our panel of celebrity judges from Lanark County, who will select the five finalists,” according to Bindhardt, “and these acts will then perform once again, with the audience selecting the final winner. Each year the voting for the top five has been close, and we expect the same this year, with such a talented group of performers.” Bindhardt went on to explain a new addition to the selection process of the finalists this year. “We are allowing the fans to help choose the final five, by allowing them to vote for their favorite act, by donating $5 on-line to the United Way Lanark County, at www.mtgt.org. There will be video there from the auditions, and more video to come later in the month. These votes will be combined with the celebrity judges’ choices to select the final five.” Like last year, the final five will return to the stage for one more performance. “Then, it’s up to the audience to select the winner of MTGT for 2012”, said Bindhardt, “as each member of the audience receives one ballot to vote for their choice, to see who will take home the title of Best in Lanark County, back to their hometown!”
The 15 semi-finalists are (listed in random order!): duet Amanda Reside & Phillippa MacDonald, Zach Dods AKA Dj FrOsT, dancer Lauren Mendham, singer Alexander Cox, a trio – Sara Milligan, Max Berkowitz, & Liam Mansfield, singer Seo-Yeon Park, dancer Joshua Ivens, singer and pianist Ray Billiald, singer Monica Guerin, guitarist and singer Danny Bower, singer Keala Traversy, slam poet Satinka Schilling, singer Miranda Wilson, acoustic guitarist Isaiah Kafrissen, and a trio, Jovian Sound – Elizabeth Pierman, Tom Coyne, & Jono Townsend. “These performers will provide the audience with a tough choice,” according to Bindhardt, “any one of these acts could be number one!”