For the first time in its 86-year history, the Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night auditions will be conducted exclusively through online submissions, as the nonprofit looks to continue its mission in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic. The series, which has run consecutively through some of America’s most challenging times, will switch to an online-only format and replace its planned in-person open auditions (originally scheduled for April 18) with this new digital audition.
Starting today, contestants who can sing, dance, rap, play an instrument, and perform stand-up or spoken word can submit a pre-recorded audition up to five-minutes in length in the hopes of being selected to perform on the world-famous Apollo stage later this year and compete for the Grand Prize of $20,000. Those under the age of 17 can also submit their digital audition for a spot to compete in the “Child Star of Tomorrow” category and a $5,000 prize.
“We’re devastated by the loss the pandemic has had on the arts community, and we want to celebrate the talent and hard work artists have put into their craft,” said Kamilah Forbes, Apollo Theater Executive Producer. “Amateur Night represents this, and we want to keep the spotlight shining on these talented individuals.”
More details on the online audition process can be found at https://www.apollotheater.org/amateur-night/auditions/