Category Archives: Family-Friendly

Ohio Valley Voices is looking for talented children in the Greater Cincinnati/Tri-State Area to compete in a virtual talent competition this spring. The competition will consist of four rounds of eliminations judged by premiere talent of the region including Roderick Justice of Cincinnati Children’s Theatre and D. Lynn Meyers of Ensemble Theater of Cincinnati. The final four and biggest fundraiser will return for a live broadcast on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 7:00 PM where the winner will be awarded $2,500!

WHAT IS OHIO VALLEY VOICES?

Ohio Valley Voices (OVV) was formed in 1999 when three families wanted their young children, who were deaf and recently fitted with cochlear implants, to have the opportunity to learn to listen and talk. The families were discouraged when they found no such local programs and felt their only option was to start their own program. In 2000, OVV opened its doors, initially serving 16 children who were deaf or hard of hearing from the Greater Cincinnati area.

Today, Ohio Valley Voices serves over 50 children at a time from across the tri-state area and even the world. The kids attend five days a week for intensive and highly individualized listening and spoken language therapy mixed with regular preschool or early elementary schooling. When children graduate from our program, they are “mainstreamed” to their local public or private school by the first or second grade. These children continue on their educational journey alongside their hearing peers without the need for additional services.

By giving these kids access to this speaking world, OVV opens them up to a world of possibilities and allows them to reach their fullest potential.

WHO CAN AUDITION:

This competition is for singers, dancers, comedians, musicians, magicians, jugglers, gymnasts, and other talented kids. It is open to children and young adults aged 17 years and younger but must be a solo act (groups and bands will not be considered). Any lyrics or material in the initial audition and any subsequent performances must be family-friendly.

HOW WILL YOU BE JUDGED:

Videos will be reviewed by our panel of judges at each round of submissions. The panel of judges will score each act on a scale of 1-10 based on the following criteria: showmanship, confidence, and creativity.

At the live event, the audience of viewers will vote to select the winner of Ohio Valley Voices’ Got Talent.

Judges include:

• Roderick Justice, The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati
• Lynn Meyers, Ensemble Theater of Cincinnati
• Emilie Larosa, Broadway Bound Dance Academy

TIMELINE AND WHAT TO EXPECT:

Selection committee will review all online applications and samples to decide who will be invited to each round. Contestants must make all deadlines and be available for the final live show in order to participate. Selection dates are as follows:

• January 17, 2021 – Deadline for submissions
• January 25, 2021 – 32 selected individuals notified by email
• February 1, 2021 – Second round of audio and video samples must be submitted
• February 8, 2021 – 16 selected individuals notified by email
• February 15, 2021 – Third round of audio and video samples must be submitted
• February 19, 2021 – 8 selected individuals will be notified by email
• February 24, 2021 – Fourth round of audio and video samples must be submitted and fundraising deadline to win the “Golden Ticket”
• February 28, 2021 – Final four are selected and notified by phone along with the “Golden Ticket” winner
• March 6, 2021 – Final four talent show LIVE

FUNDRAISING:

This is a fundraiser to support Ohio Valley Voices and the children that attend our programs. A fundraising page will be created for each contestant that makes it past the first elimination (32 contestants). This page will include the contestant’s bio and performance videos, as well as a button to donate in honor of the contestant. The contestant that raises the most money by February 24 will automatically receive the “golden ticket” and advance to the finale on March 6, 2021. An additional award will be made to the contestant who raises the most money by March 6 (whether or not they are the competitor who won the “golden ticket”).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

There is a $35 fee to apply. (Those unable to accommodate this may submit a letter of need instead to qualify for a limited number of scholarships.)

To apply, please submit a short biography, headshot, and a one to two-minute video of the act no later than 11:59 pm Thursday, January 17, 2021 to jlmuething@ohiovalleyvoices.org. Confirmation of receipt and a link to pay the application fee will be sent within 48 hours.

(One submission per act is allowed. Videos may be attached, but it is encouraged that you upload them to YouTube or a similar service and send a link to ensure that they are received in full quality.)

Questions? Email jlmuething@ohiovalleyvoices.org