POND ISLAND:--- Organizers of TelCell’s annual Breakthrough talent search are looking forward to another record-breaking event as they showcase the island’s massive youth talent under the theme “#STAND”.
Due to damage to the event’s usual venue at the Theatre Royale, Maho, the performers will be strutting their stuff at the Habour facility in Point Blanche, where arrangements are being made to cater for a bumper crowd.
Co-organizer of the event, Angel Richardson, of TelEm Group, said nothing is being spared to make this year’s event the best ever, especially since Saturday’s show marks a milestone 5th anniversary of staging the TelCell Breakthrough event on the island.
“It is also significant that we have dropped the price of tickets to only $5.00 so that more people can attend and support these talented youngsters,” said Angel.
She said the performers continue to be full of energy.
“They have been practicing and fine-tuning their acts for weeks and were very disappointed when we began speaking about cancellation of this year’show because of the damage from Hurricane Irma,” continued Angel.
She said it was the commitment of the youths themselves and their drive to continue with the show, especially in the light of Hurricane Irma, that inspired the show’s sponsor, TelCell to continue with the event after all.
Angel said the TelCell Breakthrough youths themselves came up with the hashtag name to signify the stand they are taking for their beloved island – in this case, a stand against sitting back and being depressed but letting loose with the fun and excitement of an entertaining show.
Organizers have thanked all sponsors and well-wishers in the community who have been very supportive and have encouraged them to keep the show for this year.
“We have promised them that we will be sparing nothing in terms of the quality that they have come to expect from us,” said co-sponsor of the event, Bertaux “Mr. Rude” Fleming.
He said amongst these sponsors is the National Institute of the Arts (NIA) who worked along with the youths to polish their stage presence and further build their already bounding confidence.
At first 19 of the original 22 performers were due to perform Saturday, since three of the previously named contestants left the island following the passage of Hurricane Irma. One has since returned and will be performing, bringing the number of participants to 20.
The performing categories this year will once again be: Vocals, Musical instruments, Rap, Spoken word and Dance (Urban and Technique).
The organizers say tickets will not be available at the door so fans who don’t want to miss out must purchase their tickets before the show at Van Dorp, Madame Estate, or from Adolphus Office Supplies on the Walter Nisbeth Road, Philipsburg.
TelEm Group Press Release
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27767-record-turnout-expected-for-telcell-breakthrough-talent-search-finals-saturday.html
