The Search Is On For The Cabaret Stars Of Tomorrow
Do you have what it takes to be a cutting edge cabaret star?
Would you like the chance to develop your act with professionals and perform live in the UK’s home of variety during Showzam! – Blackpool’s annual festival of circus and performance?
Well, your chance is here!
LeftCoast, the organisers of Showzam! – which presents some of the world’s most original cabaret and new variety artists – today launched a talent search with a difference.
Blackpool’s Got Strictly X Factor Talent is a five-day informative and talent development programme that will not only hone stagecraft and performance skills but offer the chance to be a star of Showzam!
Taking place during Showzam! 2016, the search for a star will see performers take part in a series of workshops before performing at Blackpool’s Bootleg Social club on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 February in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges.
The winner will win a coveted spot at Showzam! Carnival Ball 2017 plus a stunning prize package which boasts all the tools you need to make it as a top cabaret act (see notes below).
So if you're aged between 16 and 106, have a talent or an idea you would like to grow in the world of live performing arts and variety – from music to poetry, ballet to breakdancing, clowning to extreme ironing and stand-up comedy, or maybe something completely new – LeftCoast want to hear from you.
Michael Trainor, LeftCoast’s Artistic Director, said: “Whether you're just starting your career, trying to reboot it or have never been on stage in your life, Blackpool’s Got Strictly X Factor Talent has something to offer you.
“In three workshops mentors Abi Collins and Rod Laver will take you through the process of creating a short act for cabaret and theatre, from conception to performance. Also covered will be vital practical aspects, including how not to sacrifice your art while still running yourself as a small business – successfully!
“With more than 40 years of expertise in performing arts between them, Rod and Abi will pack everything they know into this five-day ‘How To’ crash course, culminating in a two-night cabaret showcase at the Bootleg Social before a panel of experts and a hugely supportive audience.
“The overall winner of the public and jury vote will receive a professional prize package including all the tools they need to make it as a top cabaret act, plus the chance to perform at the Showzam! Carnival Ball 2017.”
Showzam! has become a firm favourite in Blackpool’s annual entertainment offering. Last year the festival attracted more than 25,000 visitors to Blackpool, boosting the town’s economy by an estimated £2m.
It has built a renowned reputation for presenting some of the world’s most cutting edge cabaret and new variety artists including Amy Lame, La Clique, and Miss Behave.
Showzam! 2016 will be staged from February 13-20. It begins on Saturday February 13 with the annual Carnival Ball, at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, starring host Abigail Collins, electro-swing band Electric Swing Circus and a host of top class performers from across Europe.
A week of circus fun, live performance and street theatre will follow during the half-term break. One of the highlights of Showzam! 2016 will undoubtedly be the UK debut of French circus company Akoreacro which is currently touring Europe to sell-out crowds.
The closing date for applications to enter Blackpool’s Got Strictly X Factor Talent is January 31, 2016. For more information or to receive an application form simply visit www.showzam.co.uk or call LeftCoast on 01253 477973.
Tickets for Showzam! events – including Carnival Ball and Akoreacro at The Tower Circus – are available to buy now on the Showzam! website www.showzam.co.uk
Business sponsorship packages are available. For more information contact Helen Frost, Audience Development Officer, on 01253 477973.