TIME TO AUDITION: Kids From Wisconsin Enters 55th Year
the performing arts youth group is auditioning ahead of its summer tour, coming to Eau Claire on March 3
McKenna Scherer, photos by Branden Nall |
Each year since 1969, the Kids From Wisconsin has auditioned and selected some of the state’s most talented young adults to tour across Wisconsin and hone their performance skills. This year will be Kids From Wisconsin’s 55th year of auditions and they’ll be in Eau Claire on March 3.
Thirty-six talented singers/dancers and instrumentalists ages 15-20 will be selected from the auditions – this year’s upcoming auditions are on Feb. 23 in Madison; Feb. 24 in La Crosse; Feb. 25 in Stevens Point; Feb. 26 in Milwaukee; March 2 in Manitowoc; March 3 in Eau Claire; March 4 in Milwaukee – and will spend the upcoming summer experiencing professional rehearsal and tour life, performing to over 120,000 people and more than 30 communities. The group will also perform every day at the Wisconsin State Fair and offer performing arts workshops to youths.
Kids From Wisconsin is the only elite pre-professional performance program for the 15-20 age group in the entire country. Auditions are free to participate in, and while walk-in auditions are accepted if time is available, those interested should apply online to receive a reserved time slot.
With more than 1,000 alumni, Kids From Wisconsin has been the starting point of so many state youths’ professional performing arts careers. Tatyana L. Nahirniak is a 2011 and 2012 Kids From Wisconsin alumnus and is currently on the national tour of Disney’s Frozen, the hit Broadway musical.
“What I didn’t realize was that spending hours on a tour bus, along with other experiences (from Kids From Wisconsin), would prepare me for my professional gigs in the future,” Nahirniak said.
Reach out to Executive Director Michael D. Sander at michael.sander@kidsfromwisconsin.org or (414) 266-7067 with any questions. Visit Kids From Wisconsin’s website for further information.
