State Theatre New Jersey to Host Inaugural Youth Talent Competition

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Radio veteran Terrie Carr will host ten finalists competing for a spot at the New Brunswick Heart Festival.

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State Theatre New Jersey will host Jersey Talent on Saturday, May 16 at 7pm. Jersey Talent, a talent show for ages 8-25, returns for its third year. Ten finalists, including singers, dancers, and instrumentalists, and will perform live at the historic State Theatre. The winner of Jersey Talent wins a spot as a featured performer at the New Brunswick Heart Festival on August 8. Jersey Talent will be hosted by radio veteran Terrie Carr (WDHA, Carr Stereo Podcast). Tickets are $17.25.

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Video auditions for Jersey Talent began in January. From the 122 video submissions, 30 acts were chosen to audition live at the State Theatre. Of the 30 acts, 10 were selected to move forward to the live performance on May 16. Four judges from the New Brunswick community will select the top three finalists. The winner will be chosen based on audience applause. The Jersey Talent judges include Benjamin Bucca, Jr., Judge at the Middlesex County Courthouse; Carolina Moratti, chef, activist, and community organizer; Jessica Trechak, State Theatre’s Director of Event Services; and Lindy Zeledón, Director of Family & Community Engagement for Foundation Academies.

The Top 10 finalists include singer Piotr Kowalczyk (17, Hillsborough), singer Autumn Henriquez (12, Westampton), drummer Antonio "Tony" Brucchieri (10, Harding), dancer Lexi Valentin (24, Manalapan), singer Reno Rabinowitz (13, Scotch Plains), guitarist John David Sia (11, Jersey City), Isla Griswold (15, Upper Saddle River), tap dancer John Boudouvas (11, Metuchen), singer Gianna Roman (17, Sayreville), and Bharatanatyam dancer Naviyasri Rajeshkumar (15, Montgomery Township).

“We’re thrilled to showcase this year’s outstanding finalists in the third annual Jersey Talent,” said Sarah Chaplin, State Theatre New Jersey President & CEO. “Through Jersey Talent, our goal each year is to give young people a welcoming and supportive space to express themselves through the arts in front of friends, family, and the broader community.”

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/JERSEY-TALENT-Youth-Competition-Will-Come-to-the-State-Theatre-New-Jersey-20260514)._