Youth Opportunities - Saturday March 12th, 2011

Saturday March 12, 2011

[UPDATE: It may be useful to browse these old listings as many programs are annual, but for more current contests and competitions, head to the Youth Opportunities page.]

**Every Saturday I post about current youth opportunities that are open to submissions from Ontario residents, which naturally includes a lot of contests and competitions open to youth across Canada and the US. Please note I'm not attesting to the legitimacy or quality of anything listed here - read the fine print carefully and make your own judgement call, especially if a submission fee or creative rights are involved!**

Among this week's youth opportunities is a call for young spoken word artists to take part in the Raising Voices Festival this summer, which reminded me just how much I love Shane Koyczan. You probably heard him perform at the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, but here's a YouTube video of one of my favourites. This week's opportunities follow the awesome:

Auditions for The Railway Children
• For performers between the ages of 9-16
• Open call is this Monday March 14th
This Monday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Mirvish Productions is holding auditions for "primarily non-speaking but highly visible roles" in the children's ensemble for the upcoming production of The Railway Children. All auditionees must be accompanied by an adult. According to the posting "previous acting experience is an asset although an interest in performing, reliability, discipline and punctuality are essential." Visit the website to get full details on what to wear and bring, and to register in advance.

"Action! Easter Seals Kids" Video Contest
• Open to legal residents of Ontario (all ages)
• Deadline to submit is April 7th, 2011
Although not strictly a youth contest (in fact participants under 18 will need a parent or legal guardian’s consent), I thought I'd share news of the "Action! Easter Seals Kids" Video Contest. Open to all ages in Ontario, the contest is looking for short videos that "describe 'What Easter Seals Means to You', capture an experience you’ve shared with an Easter Seals kid, or a child with a physical disability". First prize is a trip to Ottawa on VIA Rail and a Canon Canada camera.

The Spirit of Will Munro Award
• Open to Ontario LGBTTQI2S* youth under 27 years of age, or an Ontario LGBTTIQ2S* youth led organization
• Deadline April 30th, 2011
In memory of their late volunteer and staff member, the Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line has created The Spirit of Will Munro Award, offering $10,000 to one individual or group with a plan to "establish an event, project, organization or business at the local level that uses the arts and provides youth-friendly, sustainable community growth for LGBTQ people". With such a big award comes a big application, so don't delay visiting the website for the full details and application form.
*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Intersex, Queer/ Questioning, 2 Spirited

The Raising Voices 2011 Festival
• Artists/poets/performers/dancers aged 13-19
• Deadline to apply is March 30th, 2011
The Raising Voices Festival is accepting submissions for its Youth Poetry Slam, the Projections Art Exhibit Event, and a Kickoff Concert which will require musicians, dancers (especially breakdancers), and other creative performers to take to the stage in Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square this summer. The Raising Voices Festival is as much about the message as the execution of art, so all acts need to be A.I.R (Appropriate, Inspiring and Relatable).

Previously Highlighted Youth Opportunities