The search is on for talented performers

ARE you a talented singer, dancer, actor? Are you part of a group that has a show-stopping performance?

If you can answer yes to the above, PERFORM is searching for the best of Irish talent - dancers, singers, actors, musicians, choirs, gymnasts, baton twirlers and acrobatic talent of any age and any level - to showcase on their main stage from February 15 to 17 next year.

PERFORM is the largest performing arts event to come to Ireland. It’s a three-day collaborative performance event with a main arena stage for showcasing talent, plus dance and sing stages for competitions and workshop rooms, dance studios, seminar rooms and audition rooms.

“This is first of its kind in UK and Ireland,” explains Alva O’Loughlin Kennedy, PERFORM’s creative director. “We have local and international expertise giving performances and workshops. Headliners such as Kimberly Wyatt of the Pussycat Dolls and Broadway/West End and TV stars will be on hand sharing their skills.”

The PERFORM event has an expected attendance of 15,000 across the three days. What are they looking for? “Teachers, students and parents of schools, groups and colleges, as well as musical societies, choirs, bands - anyone with an interest in the performing arts. It’s going to be filled with a lot of energy and noise!” said Alva.

Students will have an opportunity to meet with Irish and UK performing arts colleges and compete for scholarships, while more experienced professionals can get involved by teaching workshops or auditioning for international casting agencies. The event will also be a one-stop-shop of retailers and services for everything performance related - from dancewear to drama scripts and makeup to music, all under one roof.

To join the headliners on stage, the PERFORM team are looking for individuals and groups to apply to perform on the main stage alongside industry professionals.

Added Alva: “There’s so much talent in the country across all genres, we want to consider all ages and styles. If they can ‘wow’ an audience, we want to hear from them!”

There’s the added bonus too that the stage will be covered by a four-camera shoot, so every performer will have a professional recording of their showcase. To apply to perform on the main stage or to find out more, log on to www.performireland.ie.