Young Artists Awards, Inc.
The Young Artists Awards is a performing arts education, audition, performance, and scholarship program for students ages eight to twenty-one from throughout Southwest Florida. The project recognizes the area's top talented students in the performing arts. Now beginning our ninth year, the mission of the Young Artists Awards program is to provide performing arts opportunities and scholarships in the areas of dance, drama, vocal and instrumental music performance and to provide a showcase for the talents of our local youth. As a 501(c) (3) organization, we are dependent on community and corporate funding.
By providing young performers access to professionals in the various performing arts fields, students receive positive feedback and educational exposure through adjudicated open auditions, numerous performance opportunities throughout the community, and a gala performance featuring the top judged students in each category at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. We will be awarding thirty-three scholarships and opportunities to collaborate with educators and professional artists. At our packed event in March 2011, over $20,000 in savings bond scholarships were awarded to the student performers. Forty-one professionals in the performing arts from throughout the nation volunteered their time as adjudicators.
Finally, by working in conjunction with the staff at the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology program at the Children's Hospital, the project showcases and auctions the artwork of children with cancer. We deliver art supplies to the hospital throughout the year, and provide a monetary benefit to families in crisis facing the challenges of childhood cancer.
Upcoming events
- Monthly performance at Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers. First Friday of every month at various Art Walk venues. Please visit our Facebook page for updates on the monthly locations, times, and dates
- Cabaret and Cabernet. Friday, October 28, 2011. An evening of entertainment, libations, and delectable sweet and savory items. The event will be held at the Alliance for the Arts/Foulds Theatre at 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. The doors open at 6:30. Tickets are only $25 person or $40/pair. Featured performances by past and current winners of the Young Artists Awards will be on stage and in the gallery. All proceeds from the event and silent auction will benefit student scholarships in the performing arts. Call Young Artists Awards at 239-574-9321 to reserve your tickets.
- 2012 Young Artists Awards Auditions. January 14, 15, 21, 2012. Alliance for the Arts. Dance, drama, instrumental music, classical voice, contemporary voice/musical theatre. Students must be preregistered to participate.
- Art by Kids with Cancer. Friday, February 3, 2012, 6-10 PM. Arts for ACT Gallery. Exhibit and sale on display the entire month of February. Proceeds to benefit families experiencing the challenges of childhood cancer.
- Gala at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Sunday, March 4, 2012. Featuring the performances of student finalists, local school groups and a silent auction. $25,000 in savings bond scholarships to be awarded. New this year- the Audience Choice award- audience members will vote for their favorite performer. Hosted by Lois Thome of WINK-TV. Dinner 6 PM, Show 7:00 PM. Tickets are $40/sponsorship opportunities are available.
“The Young Artists Awards, Inc. project is a 501(c)(3) organization dependent on community support.”
