The Heartland Talent Showcase kicks off competition Feb. 4

Organizers of a new talent show series hope to build confidence and highlight talent in the area through several competitions that allow performers to show off their skills.

The Heartland Talent Showcase will kick off the series of talent competitions with the Winter Benefit Concert on Feb. 4 with guest singer and master of ceremonies Neal E. Boyd.

Heartland Talent Showcase is a not-for-profit organization and the first talent competition of its type in the region. Patterned after the Mid-South Fair in Memphis, Tenn., the Heartland Talent Showcase will be a series of preliminary competitions in Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, western Kentucky and northeast Arkansas. At least three winners from each preliminary competition will advance to the final competitions the first weekend in October. Organizers hope to hold the final show in Cape Girardeau.

"We needed this because there were so many kids in our area who wanted to compete," said Jane Schnurbusch, music teacher and contest organizer.

The inconvenience and travel expense of the Memphis Mid-South Fair prevented several area youths from participating in competitions. Schnurbusch, Marlene Dudley and a collaboration of sponsors and parents joined together to bring a similar competition closer to the area.

"Heartland Talent Showcase is about inclusion, not exclusion," Dudley said. "We want a variety."

All kinds of talents are encouraged to participate, including vocal performance, instrumentals, dance and other forms of entertainment and artistic expression. The competitions are divided into three age groups: Junior, ages 6 to 11; Senior B, ages 12 to 16; and Senior A, ages 17 to 22.

"It is important for these young people to get on the stage and perform in front of people," Dudley said.

Those interested in competing can download a registration from the Heartland Talent Showcase website at www.heartlandtalentshowcase.com. The first preliminary competition will take place April 19 at Christ Church of the Heartland.

Dudley believes these competitions are vital to building character and self-esteem.

"Competing gives children confidence," Dudley said. "Then, when they are older, they will not be afraid to get in front of people or speak before a crowd."

The Winter Benefit Concert will include performers who have participated in the Memphis talent shows, including singer Brad Bohannon, and will raise money for future competitions. Tickets for the concert are $10 and can be purchased through the organization's website or at the door. T-shirts will also be sold in an effort to raise money for the Talent Showcase. Donations can also be made via the organization's website.

"We want to keep the money in this area for our kids," Dudley said.

Money raised will go toward the promotion of each preliminary contest, cash prizes for winners and the funding of the final competition in October.

"America's Got Talent" winner Neal E. Boyd will host the Winter Benefit Concert and will spend some time working with the other performers. Dudley spoke with Boyd, who shares her excitement for the event. Both believe the talent competitions will be beneficial for area youth.

Bohannon is excited to share the stage with Boyd and counts it an honor to support Dudley, who taught him voice lessons for nearly 14 years. Bohannon participated in the Mid-South Fair competitions until age 21 and then served as a judge for preliminary competitions.

"The competitions are always a great experience," Bohannon said. "It is a great way to foster the passions and talents of our youth."

Boyd and Bohannon will perform at the Winter Benefit Concert, along with 35 former competitors. Organizers hope this event will be a great way to initiate the showcase and promote the excitement of participants and supporters.

"My hope is that, long after I am gone, young people will still be competing in Heartland Talent Showcase," Dudley said.