December 1, 2022
Lansing Matinee Musicale (LMM), a 128-year-old arts organization based in in Lansing, Michigan has announced the formation of the LMM Emerging Artist Award for Musical Theatre for artists between the ages of 20–28 with strong ties to Michigan. The competition, with a deadline of January 15, 2023, is seeking the very best emerging Musical Theatre artists from Michigan.
The award was the brainchild of two LMM members, Laura Stebbins, an Okemos-based singer and vocal instructor and Patrice VanVoorhees, the founder of The Studio Performing Arts Center in East Lansing.
“Our competitions for Young/Emerging Artists have previously concentrated on classical voice, piano, strings, woodwinds, and brass,” said Stebbins. “We thought it was time to lend a hand to those emerging into the non-classical job market, and we are excited about this venture.”
“It is extremely difficult and expensive for a young artist to keep up their skill levels in all three fields (acting, dancing, singing) in a big city like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, and we would like to help facilitate that”, Van Voorhees said of the award.
The connection to Michigan could include being a current or past resident, being born or raised, or having gone to school in Michigan. Applicants do not need to currently live in Michigan to qualify but must be able to prove their ties to the state.
The awards are substantial, with a total of $4,000 being awarded to the top three finalists and made possible through the Lee C. and Mildred Richardson Scholarship Fund.
The deadline for applying for the awards is January 15, 2023, with the final round on April 15, 2023, to be performed in front of a live audience in Lansing, Michigan. Venue and time of performance to be determined at a later date.
One of the Mid-Michigan’s oldest arts organizations, Lansing Matinee Musicale (LMM) will celebrate its 129th anniversary and 70th year as a 501(c) (3) charitable organization in 2023. LMM is operated by volunteer members and supported by charitable gifts and bequests. The organization belongs to both the Michigan and National Federations of Music Clubs.
More Information on eligibility requirements, repertoire guidelines, FAQs, and application can be found at: https://lansingmatineemusicale.org/national-musical-theatre-competition/
Contact: Laura Stebbins (517) 349-3856; mailto:[email protected]