The Sooner Theatre’s talent competition to benefit The Studio of The Sooner Theatre, the theatre’s performing arts academy is taking entries now for the September 20 semi-finals competition. Proceeds will help fund a new location for Studio classes in Downtown Norman. The Voice of the Heartland vocal competition is open to three age groups, 7 - 12 years old, 13 - 18 years old, and 19 years and up.
The first round of the competition will be conducted through video submission followed by a semi-final event to be held at the Sooner Theatre on September 20, 2021. Selected finalists will compete in a final round to be held at Southwind Hills Event Barn on September 23, 2021. Registration for The Voice of the Heartland vocal competition is available online at VoiceOfTheHeartland.org. The deadline to enter is the September 10, 2021. The winner of The Voice Of The Heartland competition will receive a cash prize and more. The Studio of The Sooner Theatre is Norman’s premiere performing arts academy and currently has more than 800 enrolled in 55 different school year classes and summer camps in musical theatre, acting, improve, dance and more. The theatre recently purchased and renovated a space on Main Street across from the theatre to house Studio programming, and which also provides space for a costume and prop shop, scene shop, and performance space/event center. Hal Smith of The Hal Smith Restaurant Group, has been an integral supporter of the The Studio of Sooner Theatre since its inception 18 years ago. Smith believes in the unique program and the difference it makes in the students both on and off the stage. "Some children in our community have a hard time finding a place to fit in." Smith believes that The Studio gives kids a place to belong, self-confidence and also helps to instill a good work ethic. "This program gives kids the responsibility, self-confidence and dedication that every child needs to become a successful adult,” said Smith. The competition and Final Round event is sponsored by The Hal Smith Restaurant Group, Southwind Hills Event Barn, Republic Beverage, and BOLD Multimedia. Tickets to attend the preliminary event at Sooner Theatre are also available at the door on September 20 for $15 each. The finals are by invitation only and include dinner, entertainment, and dancing at the Southwind Hills Event Barn. If you cannot attend, but wish to support The Studio of the Sooner Theatre, donations can be made online at VoiceOfTheHeartland.org. The Sooner Theatre is Norman’s premiere performing arts venue and performing arts academy. The Sooner Theatre is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information on classes and productions of The Sooner Theatre and The Studio of The Sooner Theatre, visit www.soonertheatre.org or call 405-321-9600.
