Norwalk teens named semifinalists in arts program

Selena Hamilton, left, and Sydney Shepherd.

NORWALK – Two Norwalk residents have been named semifinalists in The Music Center’s 33rd Annual Spotlight Program, a free nationally acclaimed arts training and scholarship program for teens.

Spotlight offers valuable performance opportunities, audition experiences and mentorship, plus technical and artistic insights taught by professional artists and arts administrators, and awards more than $100,000 in scholarships each year.

Sydney Shepherd and Selena Hamilton, both of Norwalk, were among 112 Southern California high school students selected for the program.

Shepherd is a senior studying acting at iLEAD Hybrid charter school. Hamilton, a junior, is home schooled and studies dance.

The Music Center named 16 semifinalists in each of seven categories—acting, ballet, dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental and jazz instrumental. This year, nearly 1,500 teens representing more than 275 schools, 194 cities and 8 counties auditioned for the program.

All Spotlight applicants receive written feedback from distinguished panels of judges following each audition round to help students improve and gain knowledge in their particular performance discipline.

“Spotlight is completely free with no financial barriers to participate, which gives equal footing to kids looking to make their dreams come true, no matter their talent level,” said Jeri Gaile, director of The Music Center’s Spotlight program. “Each round in the audition process is a little different so the knowledge and connections each participant makes compound, especially as the semifinalists attend mastery classes. Spotlight is very much an exploration of artistic skills and the students’ capacity to grow as individuals. We absolutely love seeing them shine throughout the process and over the years that they participate.”

Spotlight semifinalists are invited to attend a special mastery class in their discipline with highly regarded artists, who share their expertise on performance technique, training and professional life. Experts provide students with feedback on their performances, offering them a rich learning experience.

Each semifinalist will audition virtually again before a new panel of judges, who will then select the top two finalist performers in each category for a total of 14 grand prize finalists. Judges will also name an honorable mention in each category.

Grand prize finalists will perform in The Music Center’s Spotlight Virtual Grand Finale Performance on May 22, premiering on The Music Center Offstage digital platform at 7 p.m.