Congratulations to Overture's 2016 Rising Stars!
A round of applause for Overture’s 2016 Rising Stars! A total of 25 amazing acts performed on the Capitol Theater stage SAT, SEP 24 in front of a panel of five judges.
“We are so impressed with the talent in our community,” said Tim Sauers, Overture’s VP of Programming and Community Engagement. “Overture’s Rising Stars has offered professional performance opportunities and training for aspiring and emerging artists. We’re proud to feature the program’s first dance grand prize winner, 13-year-old William Taylor, who will perform at Overture during the 17-18 season!”
Overture’s 2016 Rising Stars
Grand Prize Winner
• William Taylor from Lancaster, WI
“I was so surprised that I won the grand prize with all the other talented acts in the show. It was such an awesome experience to dance at the Capitol Theater in front of such a large crowd,” said Overture’s 2016 Rising Stars grand prize winner, William Taylor. “When they called my name, it seemed like a dream to me, I could not believe it was really happening. I had so many feelings going through me when he called by name I was crying and laughing all at the same time. I love to dance and this is an experience I will never forget”
Adult Music Winners:
• Mark Harrod from Belleville, WI
• Shlomo Calvo from Madison, WI
Teen Music Winner:
• Forte Fusion from Mt. Horeb, WI
Youth Music Winner:
• Ananya Krishna from Verona, WI
Teen Dance Winner:
• Blake E Washington from Madison, WI
Youth Dance Winner:
• William Taylor from Lancaster, WI
“I have always known that our city is full of talented performers, but to have so many of them sharing the same stage is truly spectacular,” said judge DJ Pain One. “To create the kind of artistic community our city deserves, we need opportunities for growth and networking, and that is what Rising Stars provides. It’s also just a great show.”
“It is a distinct pleasure to participate in a program that fosters the arts, motivates the dreamers and highlights the amazing talents of this great state,” said judge Scott O’Donnell, Circus World’s Executive Director. “A plethora of talent graced the stage during auditions, callbacks and on the main stage at the Capitol Theater. It takes courage to take your talents from singing in the shower to that stage, yet those that participated in this amazing program conquered all fears claiming the spotlight for all to enjoy. Homegrown talent is the best as its folks just like you and I that have passion to perform.”
“I had a wonderful experience with Overture’s Rising Stars competition this year. It was an honor to be invited to judge, and I was blown away by the talent,” said judge Corey Mathew Hart, past Rising Stars grand prize winner. “I was especially impressed with some of the younger performers, for instance Ananya Krishna and William Taylor, who are performing at a level far beyond their years. It was truly inspiring.”
“I love seeing everyone step up their game and performance for this final showing,” said judge Jessica Lanius from Theatre LILA. “It makes our job ridiculously hard because everyone was beautiful and embracing the evening with everything they had!”
Our 2015/16 Rising Stars Grand Prize Winners Charles Scott and John DeHaven perform their showcase concert on THU, OCT 20!
Photography courtesy of Martin Jenich
