After weeks of auditions and semifinal performances featuring some of Miami-Dade County’s most talented young performers, the 16th season of Young Talent Big Dreams will culminate this Saturday, May 9, with the highly anticipated finals competition at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre.
Presented by Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre and title sponsor The Children’s Trust, Young Talent Big Dreams has become Miami-Dade County’s premier free youth talent competition, giving aspiring performers ages 8-18 the opportunity to showcase their abilities before live audiences and professional judges.
Finalists from across Miami-Dade County will compete Saturday evening in categories including pop/rock/rap vocals; musical theatre/jazz standards/classical vocals; dance; musical instrument; original spoken word; and original vocal and/or instrumental composition. Group finalists will also compete in dance, musical instrument/bands, and vocal group categories.
The competition will award cash prizes, performance opportunities, and prestigious performing arts scholarships, thanks to the support of sponsors including the Coral Gables Rotary Club, SouthState Bank, and United Property Management, A Milton Family Company. The evening’s grand prize winner will receive a $500 cash award from Actors’ Playhouse.
The finals follow preliminary auditions held throughout April and semifinal rounds earlier this month, which narrowed the field to the competition’s top young performers. Finalists will perform before a panel of judges from the professional performing arts community, with up to nine category winners and one grand prize winner to be crowned during Saturday’s event.
“Young Talent Big Dreams is more than a competition—it’s a stage where Miami’s youth can explore their creativity, gain confidence, and take the first steps toward their dreams,” said Barbara S. Stein, Executive Producing Director of Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. “Every season reminds us how much talent, passion and promise exists in our community. The future is bright.”
“The Children’s Trust is proud to play a role in the transformative journeys for the young talents of Miami-Dade County,” said James R. Haj, President & CEO of The Children’s Trust. “No matter the outcome of this season, the true triumph is our community’s dedication to nurturing local talent and creating meaningful opportunities for them to shine.”
Following a popular television talent show format, Young Talent Big Dreams has helped launch the careers of numerous young performers. Notable alumni include Zachary Roy, a semifinalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent Season 15; Joana Martinez, Top 10 finalist on NBC’s The Voice Season 17; Angelina Green, golden buzzer recipient on NBC’s America’s Got Talent Season 12 and member of Simon Fuller’s pop group The Future X; and Gino Cosculluela, third-place winner on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance Season 16 and Broadway performer in The Music Man alongside Hugh Jackman.
YOUNG TALENT BIG DREAMS FINALS
Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m.
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
For more information, visit Actors’ Playhouse. To learn more about The Children’s Trust, visit the organization’s website.
Author: Coral Gables Gazette News Staff
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