The TalentFest provides a vehicle for expression and performance that students don’t find readily in the traditional programs offered at schools. Two acts from each area high school – Bartlett High School, Elgin High School, Larking High School, South Elgin High School and Streamwood High School - and, new this year, DREAM Academy - all complete to win cash prizes.
The host for the evening is Miriam Naponelli, the co-host of GreenRoom Improv who will entertain the audience with her comedic stylings between performances. The competitors – who are the top two acts from each school’s own talent show—will entertain audiences with their unique - and often mind-blowing - artistry during the first part of the show. The audience gets to be a big part of the action, as they vote to see which acts make it to the finals. Those acts selected by the audience then perform a completely different act for the 3 celebrity judges. Those judges then award the 1st, 2ndand 3rdplace acts.
First, second, and third places receive an award as determined by the judges’ votes and whichever school earns the most audience votes will have the honor of holding onto the traveling TalentFest Trophy, currently residing at last year’s People’s Choice winner, Larkin High School.
With the support of the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the U-46 Educational Foundation, TalentFestis open to the entire student population within the district. Winners from past shows are often asked to participate in various City of Elgin events and festivals. Aside from the prestige that comes with the greatest talent, this event encourages and highlights the incredible gifts of the young individuals who are the heart and soul of our wonderful community.
The remarkable artistic abilities of U46 high school students will be showcased at the upcoming TalentFest 2019 that will take place at the Hemmens Cultural Center on Tuesday, March 12th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets to TalentFest 2019 are $5.00 and may be purchased at The Hemmens Box Office, online at www.hemmens.org, or by phone at 847-931-5900. Active updates are available on the events Facebook page at TalentFest U-46 (@talentfestu46).
The Hemmens Cultural Center is located at the corner of Symphony Way and North Grove Avenue in Elgin, IL and is easily accessible from I-90. Parking is free.
This article appeared in the March 2019 edition of BRAVO magazine. An Elgin, Illinois ink-and-paper monthly magazine devoted to arts, entertainment, community events & dining.