Southeastern's Columbia Theatre announces talent contest
Thursday, April 2, 2020 
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Although Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the
Performing Arts is not currently open, it is still finding creative ways to entertain
the public. The theater recently announced its first ever #columbiafamous talent contest
through Facebook.
Columbia Theatre Artistic Director Jim Winter said the contest begins Monday,
April 6, and will span several weeks. Interested contestants will submit a short video
clip, approximately 60 seconds or less, in a variety of categories. The categories
included are singing, dancing, acting, instrumental music, comedy, and visual art.
Winter said submissions for the visual art category will be digital photographs rather
than videos.
“The Columbia Theatre exists to entertain the public,” Winter said. “I wanted
to do something that kept Columbia entertaining the wonderful people in our community
at a time when we cannot come together in our beautiful theatre. The #columbiafamous
contest is our way of getting some creative and positive energy out into a community
that truly needs that right now.”
Each week will focus on preliminary contests in two of the talent categories.
Contestants will have four days to submit videos. The Columbia staff will narrow the
submissions down to three finalists in each category. The finalists’ videos will be
posted for 24 hours, during which time the public can vote for their favorites.
The winners in each category receive two tickets to one of next season’s shows
at the Columbia Theatre; automatic entry into the grand prize contest for a pair of
season tickets to Columbia Theatre’s 2020-2021 season; and an invitation to perform
their winning act at the Columbia Theatre on Hot August Night.
The contest is open to all ages; however, children 12 and under can submit to
all categories for a chance to win the children’s grand prize, which is a pair of
tickets to next season’s world premiere of “Alice’s Christmas in Wonderland” and an
invitation to perform their winning act at the Columbia Theatre on Hot August Night.
The first week’s contest, beginning Monday, April 6, will feature the singing
and dancing categories.
Individuals interested in competing should check Columbia Theatre’s Facebook
page at www.facebook.com/columbiatheatre for more details. Full submission and prize details will be posted on Facebook April
6.
For more information or to submit an entry, email columbiafamouscontest@gmail.com.
