Move over, X-Factor contestants: the Isle of Man’s very own young talent will be showcasing their skills in a competition at the end of the month.
Entries are invited for Youth Got Talent, which takes place on Monday 30th November at Douglas Youth Centre in Kensington Road.
Organised by the Youth Events Committee, a group made up of youth workers and young people, it is open to young people aged eight to 18 and will be judged by a mystery panel, with trophies awarded to winning acts.
Ken Callister, Senior Youth Officer, explains, "The adults in the organising group were nervous about making it a competition as we worried that by judging young people, we might put them off ever performing again, but the young people overruled us and said the competition add some excitement to the event.
"They just wanted to make sure it was fair and that – perhaps unlike some of the TV talent shows – everyone got positive encouragement.
"The idea stemmed from the successful Superdance show that had been running for a number of years,’ Ken explained. ‘The group felt that there should be opportunities for other acts to perform, not just dancers."
Entries are invited in three age groups – school years 4 to 6; 7 to 9 and 10-13. Acts must be a maximum of three minutes long and involve a minimum of four people, whether backstage or in the spotlight.
Ken said, "This is an attempt to recognise both the performers and the teams behind them, who work equally hard even though they don’t appear on stage.’
Each team member taking part receives a ticket for a relative/friend and the rest will go on sale.
"If it is anything like the previous Superdance event, it will be a sell-out and tickets will be popular. If there is sufficient demand, and the performers are up for it, the organisers will put on a re-run, without the judging, on Tuesday 1st December.
"While the event is being promoted through the 65 clubs and projects the Youth Service provides each week, it is not just a youth club event and any group of young people is welcome to enter."
For more details and an application form, visit www.iomyouth.com or call the Youth Office on (01624) 686057.
