NJN1: Wednesday June 29, 2011, at 10:00 pm

When the curtain rose at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Victoria Theater on May 27, representatives from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania took the stage in one of the most highly acclaimed talent search competitions in the tri-state area.

The talented hopefuls tested their vocal chords, dance moves and instrumental training in three divisions: juniors ages 8 to 12, teens ages 13 to 17 and the very popular kids dance category for participants ages 4 to 7. Two winners were selected in each category of dance, vocals and instrumentals. They competed for scholarships in honor of the King of Latin Music, Tito Puente: the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz; the international dance star, Beatriz Rodriguez, the dance legend of the Palladium era, Cuban Pete and the distinguished super star, Rita Moreno.

It took detail screening of numerous DVDs to select the talented cavalcade of young stars that took the stage at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater. On this glorious night, 16 winners went home with scholarships to pursue their dreams, a free trip to Six Flags Great Adventure and much more.

In celebration of the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase’s 25th Anniversary, the television broadcast, as well as this year’s competition at NJPAC, is dedicated to the first participants of the NJN Hispanic Showcase which took place at Rutgers University - Newark 25 years ago and to the memory of a wonderful music teacher, Perla Espinal. They are honored with a special song by Showcase and Broadway star, Allison Trujillo Strong.

The NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase is the longest running Latino children’s program on a PBS. It has received an Emmy Award and multiple Emmy nominations including a 2011 New York Emmy nomination for Outstanding Community Service Program. The national Arts Council Co-op has selected the program as one of the top six children’s programs in the nation. Past and present participants have appeared in Hollywood movies, Broadway, Star Search, the Apollo, “Sabado Gigante” and international commercials.

Our honored guest for the evening was Caitlin Sanchez, a two-time Showcase champion, singer, pianist and actress who gained worldwide fame as the voice of Dora the Explorer. She received the distinguished Joseph F. Unanue Award from Goya Foods which is given to an outstanding Showcase alumnus.

2011 Finalists Selected

SHOWCASE ARCHIVES
•2010 Winners
•2009 Winners
•2008 Winners
•2008 Finalists
•2007 Winners
•2007 Finalists
•2006 Winners
• 2005 Winners
• 2005 Finalists
• 2004 Winners
• 2004 Finalists
• 2003 Finalists
• Winners, Heroes and a Night to Remember 2002
• 2002 Winners
• 2002 Tour
• Past Shows and Highlights

Support for the Hispanic Youth Showcase is provided by:
• Goya Foods, Inc. • The New Jersey Performing Arts Center • Six Flags Great Adventure • FOCUS • Rebecca Verea Foundation • Friends of the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase

2011 Finalists Selected
NJN1: Saturday June 25 at 5 pm

WATCH: Behind the Scenes with the Hispanic Youth Showcase Kids
Three stories that will give you and up close and personal look at some of the participants in the 2010 Showcase competition. They are made Possible by the Halpern Family Foundation.