The West Hollywood Project presents You Got Talent, a virtual show to highlight talent from L.A. and the surrounding areas. This is a Call to all singers, dancers, magicians, musicians, dog trainers or anyone with any kind of talent who want to show off in a new talent competition.
The process starts with auditions. Potential contestants should send their performance link directly to the show manager, Alexis Sanchez ([email protected]). On Feb. 18th, the auditions will be shown during the Zoom and FB live presentations. Local folks who love West Hollywood will serve as judges. Their votes will send contestants with the most points to the next round. Several rounds are expected, leading up to an elimination show where winners will be revealed.
Cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners, and any contestant whose video is played during any of the shows will win a gift card to a retailer.
“I’ve been a part of the West Hollywood Project for almost 6 years, and I’m so excited to be a judge for You Got Talent,” said Sarah Blanch of the West Hollywood Project. I love talent of all kinds — singing, dancing, juggling, magic tricks, you name it. Bring on the talent! Can’t wait for this fun event.”
“This event is an essential component in our efforts to let the sober community know about the programs and services provided APLA Health and other community-based organizations. APLA Health is proud to be a sponsor of You Got Talent!” said Roger Sediles, Program Manager, Substance Abuse Programs for APLA Health.
APLA Health has sponsored several alcohol-and drug-free West Hollywood Project events, including #SIZZLE, a carnival during Pride, and #BOOM, a New Year’s Eve party.
“The importance of having alcohol/drug free spaces during Gay Pride and New Year’s is paramount, as both of these events can be triggering and/or challenging for those who are sober,” Sediles added.
The West Hollywood Project is an initiative that seeks to build community, and reduce harms caused by alcohol and drugs. Research shows more people are using and misusing substances during the pandemic, and those that are in recovery face a more difficult path due to the cancellation of in-person support groups.
“We hope that this event can showcase the talent and resilience we have locally as well as helping people feel connected to their community,” said Alexis Sanchez, Assistant Program Manager for the West Hollywood Project. Studies have shown that connection to community is an insulating factor against substance use and can help people feel less isolated during this pandemic. I also think it’s important to showcase the talents of people locally to build a sense of pride in ourselves and the people we share space with. With this event and others like it, we can help people have something to look forward to and a chance to uplift themselves and others. In this we can help each other weather the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
People of any age, who live anywhere in LA and surrounding cities are welcome to audition.
The West Hollywood Project is a public health initiative directed by the Institute for Public Strategies and funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control. For more information, publicstrategies.org
