Youth Talent Show

Updated: Apr 21

Sponsored by Peoples Trust Company

Friday, April 28, 2023 at 7:00pm

Location: Bellows Free Academy Performing Arts Center, 71 S Main Street, St. Albans, VT

Tickets can be purchased at the “office table” at the Craft & Specialty food show or at the door.

The Vermont Maple Festival Youth Talent Show is open to all students in the State of Vermont. The Show awards over $2000 in scholarships to the participants. The Show prides itself on a student focused event, empowering the youth to prepare and perform their talent independently with the support of our professional and supportive staff to guide them through the event. Judges are professionals in their field and provide impartial and fair adjudication and are not connected to performers. The rules are provided on this site as is the current application. All applications are due by March 1st with preliminary auditions to be scheduled up to a month before the show. The Director will contact performers and or their parents to confirm auditions. Please contact our Director, Melissa Belrose at vtmapleyouthtalentshow@yahoo.com or 802-393-4373 with any questions

Download forms:

Download contest entry forms here

2022 Winners Download list of 2022 winners here

Scholarship/Award Criteria

Rick Manahan Community Scholarship Award $500

On behalf of Peoples Trust Company, this award is presented in memory of Rick Manahan, a vital member, mentor, and beloved friend of the Franklin County community for many years until he passed away unexpectedly in 2010. Rick believed there is no better place to live, work, and play than Franklin County and that the strength, capacity, and talents of its members, and particularly its youth, is limitless. Rick saw the potential for greatness in everyone, and he continues to inspire the best in all of us.

Participant should demonstrate the following criteria to be considered for the award:

Exudes confidence, personality, and heart in their performance
Demonstrates clear passion and enjoyment for their talent
Performance displays great potential for future success
Inspires feelings of pride in the talents demonstrated by our community

Rick Manahan Community Scholarship Award Recipient: Isabel Pietras; Singing; Chim Chim Cheree

Ducham Children Memorial Award

CRITERIA FOR JUDGES:

It should be understood by the Judges that the “HIGHEST” of standards should be used in Awarding this Plaque.

The following “CRITERIA” will be used to determine the winner:

He/She shall be a CATEGORY winner (single or member of a group).
He/She shall possess a true and identifiable Performing Art Talent.
He/She shall display AUDIENCE APPEAL.
He/She shall possess the quality of SHARING through Talent.

HISTORY OF DUCHAM AWARD

This award was created in 1983 by the Vermont Maple Festival Council to honor the memory of Johnette, David and John Ducham, who perished in a fire on March 8, 1983. The Ducham children had been participants in the Talent Show since its inception four years earlier. Johnette “Sissy” was a first place winner in 1982.

So, the Council, in appreciation of their varied musical talents, thought it most appropriate to honor the Ducham children in this manner.

Ducham Children Memorial Recipient: Kambree Larose, Contemporary Dance, The Doll

Director’s Award in memory of Cecile Laroche $300.00

Mrs. Laroche was a longtime supporter of the show and a champion for the young talented youth in our community. She worked so hard to get the financial support the show needed for many many years. It was an honor to work with her and even more of an honor to take her seat on the board per her request.

On behalf of the Vermont Maple Youth Talent Show this award was developed to recognize a performer or group of performers that meets the following criteria:

The performer shows commitment to their talent as evidenced by their preparation for their audition, performance and work at dress rehearsal as well as their performance at the show. The recipient does not need to place within their division to show growth through this process or to be considered for this award.
The performer displays respect and support of all contestants, talent show staff and the talent of all involved in the show.
The performer shows a passion for the arts and the potential for continued growth with the opportunity that this money can afford them.

Cecile LaRoche Memorial Director’s Award: Elijah Duhamel, Guitar/VocalNothing Else Matters, Metallica