Wannabe rock stars, jugglers, comics, magicians and singers will have a chance to become the Next Big Thing with the launch of Junior Achievement Isle of Man’s talent competition. Open to young people between the ages of 11 and 17, the Next Big Thing is looking for the finest young talent the Isle of Man has to offer, with a ?500 cash prize for the winner, sponsored by IFG International Ltd, and the opportunity to be the opening act when The Gleek Club, the UK’s number one Glee tribute band, appears at the Gaiety Theatre on March 24 next year. Second prize is ?250, sponsored by the Manx Educational Foundation and third prize, ?150, sponsored by Presence of Mann. Junior Achievement chief executive Sue Cook said: ‘As well as equipping young people for the world of work, Junior Achievement aims to increase self-esteem and confidence. Our programmes are at the heart of this, but we believe the Next Big Thing complements the more serious side of what we do. This competition is all about giving young people the opportunity to shine, to showcase their talents. We’re hoping for a real variety of acts – not just singers, dancers and bands - so if there are any budding escapologists, puppeteers, hypnotists, ventriloquists or unicyclists out there, we want to hear from them.’ The Next Big Thing is sponsored by Barclays Wealth, 3FM, Paragon and Home Strategic. Auditions will be held around the Island during November and December, for which the entry fee is ?5 per act. To be part of an auditions audience, the entry fee is ?2 for adults, ?1 for children under 16 years, who must be accompanied by an adult. The semi-final will be at Douglas Youth Centre on Sunday December 11 and the grand final on Saturday January 28, 2012 at the Gaiety Theatre, tickets for which are ?8 for adults, ?5 for children and senior citizens, available from the Villa Marina box office or online at www.villagaiety.com. Contestants must be aged between 11 and 17 on January 28, 2012. Closing date for applications is Friday November 4. Terms and conditions apply. For details and to download an application form, visit www.jaiom.im. ENDS