Talent show opens doors (From Stroud News and Journal)

Talent show opens doors

THE DOOR Youth Project's fifth annual Undiscovered Youth Talent Contest auditions return this winter, with more exciting prizes on offer and a host of stiff competitors who have been rising through the competition over the last five years.

"Every year, it's gone from strength to strength," said Door spokesman Brendan Conboy. "We had a few less entries than usual last year, but the standard was extremely high.

"So many people come back year after year. I've seen talent grow into excellence over the years - take Amy Ballinger. She took part in the second year, didn't win anything, came back, won, came back the year after that and won some more, persuaded a friend to take part, did duets with him.

Now they've formed a band - Roundabout - who performed at the Fringe Festival.

"That's what this competition is all about for me - giving young people an opportunity to excel."

Anyone aged between 11 and 25 who is in a band, can sing or who dances like a dervish is invited to apply for an audition. The closing date for entries is October 30 and auditions will be held between October and December.

The final will take place on January 28 in the Stroud Subscription Rooms. "The prizes are going to be as good as ever," added Brendan. "In the past we've had winners going off to recording studios and so on.

This year, the top band, top vocalist and so on will also be performing at Berkeley Castle as part of a show celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme in the summer of 2006."

*For information and entry forms, contact Brendan at The Door Youth Project on Gloucester Street, Stroud on 01453 756745.