Red Robinson's Talent Showdown
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How does the competition work?
There are three ‘rounds’. Performers compete by age for the
first two rounds. The age divisions are: Kids 6-12 years old;
Youth 13-18 years old; and Adults aged 19 and older.
Round 1: Open auditions by video. Contestants submit an entry form and performance video or a YouTube link. Judges review all entries and select performers from each age division to advance to the semi-finals. Entries must be received no later than 4:30pm on June 9, 2010.
Round 2: Semi-finals. There are three days of semi-finals one day for each category. Judges will select a First place (1st), Second place (2nd), and Third place (3rd) winner from each day of semi-finals to advance to the finals.
Round 3: Finals. There are no age divisions in the finals. Finalists compete against each other regardless of age. The judges will select a Third place winner who will win One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00 CDN) a Second place winner who will win Two Thousand Dollars ($2000.00 CDN) and the Overall winner who will win Five Thousand Dollars ($5000.00 CDN).
How is Red Robinson’s Talent Showdown different from the previous competitions at the PNE?
For the 2010 season there are three days of semi
finals, as well there will be prizing for first place, second
place and third place during the semi finals and finals. This
year’s competition will take place four days during the Fair at
the PNE, August 22nd until August 25th,
2010.
Who should enter?
Singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, bands, variety acts…
any talented performers waiting to be discovered. The
competition is open to all amateur performers aged six and older
who are legal residents of British Columbia.
What are the dates of the semi-finals and finals?
This year the competition will take place during the
first four opening days at the Fair at the PNE. The competition
will have one day of semi-finals for each category and then the
finals on Wednesday.
- August 22nd, 2010 Youth Division Semi-finals (13 to 18 year olds)
- August 23rd, 2010 Kids Division Semi-finals (6 to 12 year olds)
- August 24th, 2010 Adults Division Semi-finals (19 years old and older)
- August 25th, 2010 Finals
Please note: dates are subject to change
Where do the semi-finals and finals take place?
On stage before a live audience at the Fair at the PNE in
Vancouver.
My daughter is currently five years old but will be turning six this summer. Can she enter?
She can compete as long as she turns six years old by
August 22nd, 2010. All contestants
must meet age requirements as of the start of the Red Robinson’s
Talent Showdown, August 22nd, 2010.
I work full time at a bank but play piano in a lounge on the weekends. Do I qualify as amateur, and am I able to compete?
Carefully read through the Rules and Regulations to
ensure you (and all members of your group) qualify as an amateur
for our competition. Basically, you must NOT:
- be a member of a union connected with artistic performances
- earn more than 50% of your annual income from performing
- have performed on a recording released for commercial distribution
- have an agent or manager helping you get work in
the entertainment field.
In the case of any disputes, the determination of who is an amateur is in the sole discretion of the PNE.
What are the age divisions?
Kids:
Contestants who are 6 to 12 years of age as of August 22nd,
2010
Youth: Contestants who are 13 to 18 years of age as of
August 22nd, 2010
Adults: Contestants who are 19
years of age or older as of August 22nd, 2010
What if there are different ages within our group?
You must compete in the age division of the oldest member of their group. For example, if you are a group consisting of a 12-year old, a 17-year old and a 20-year old, you must compete in the Adult division.
Why are there age divisions in the video auditions and semi-finals?
We want to showcase and judge the talent of competitors who
have roughly the same level of experience and maturity, through
the semi-final rounds.
Why are there not age divisions at the final level?
Once our competitors make it to the finals, the level of
talent is high enough that performers can compete against each
other regardless of age.
Do singers compete against singers?
In the video auditions and semi-finals, the contest is divided into age divisions rather than talent categories. Within the age division there will be different types of talent competing against each other. In the finals, performers compete against each other regardless of age. In the finals, there may be singers competing against singers, depending on which semi-finalists are selected to advance to the finals.
Can I enter more than once with different acts?
No. Only one submission per person is allowed.
How many can be in a group?
Group size is limited to five (5) people.
Does it cost anything to enter?
No. It does not cost anything to enter. But you are required
to pay all your own expenses. The PNE is not responsible for any
expenses incurred by contestants.
Where can I get an entry form?
You can enter online with an entry form at www.pne.ca/talentshowdown If you do not have access to the Internet, you can pick up an entry form from the Pacific National Exhibition Administration Building at 2901 East Hastings Street in Vancouver. The office is open Monday to Friday (except for statutory holidays) between 8:30am and 4:30pm. You need to ensure you submit a video or YouTube link with your entry form. Entries without a submission will not be eligible.
What is the deadline for all entries?
All submissions must be received no later than 4:30pm on June 9, 2010. Packages received after the deadline will not be considered, regardless of the postmark date.
Where do I send my entry form and video submissions?
Send all entries via mail, courier or drop off to:
Red Robinson’s Talent Showdown
Pacific National Exhibition
Administration Building
2901 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC, V5K 5J1
The Administration office is open Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Your entry must include a completed and signed entry form AND performance video or YouTube link.
If you are submitting a YouTube link you may email or
fax in the signed entry form to
talentshowdown@prpconnect.com or 604-252-3541
What if there’s a change to my original entry information or one of my band members changes?
If you originally entered online, manually add changes to the online entry confirmation page you printed out. If you have already mailed the entry form, please contact us at TalentShowdown@prpconnect.com or 604-251-7779 and we will make the changes. Make sure to have your entry number ready when you contact us.
Can I send in a CD instead of a VHS tape or DVD of my
performance?
No. You must submit either a VHS tape or DVD or YouTube link of your performance recorded within the last 12 months. No other formats of entry such as CD, photos or resumes will be considered. The Judges must be able to review a performance.
Does my video have to be like a music video?
No. You can record your performance in your living room, backyard, or the kitchen, wherever you feel most comfortable. You are not judged on the special effects of the video. You are judged on your performance / talent.
A few helpful hints to ensure your performance video
looks good:
- Use a new VHS or DVD
- Film in a well-lit area
- Ensure background music does not drown out vocal performance
- Watch the video prior to submission, ensure it works and that it reflects your best performance
- Cue entries to the start of your performance before submitting the video
- Reminder: Your video must be clearly labeled with the ID number you were given when you entered online. Your video must have been recorded within the past 12 months and your performance cannot be longer than 4 minutes.
- For a YouTube submission ensure it has been uploaded successfully and that the link you are providing does lead us to your submission.
Do I have to perform the same act that was submitted on my video if I get selected for the semi-finals?
No.
What if my performance goes over the 4-minute time limit?
If your performance is over the time limit
you will be disqualified. Make sure that when you are
considering your act that it will fall under four (4) minutes.
What formats are acceptable for background music?
We will accept CD only.
What kind of songs can I perform?
You can perform any song you wish: original, cover songs or songs in another language. Keep in mind that song selection is very important. When choosing a song to perform, make sure it suits your style and make sure you are comfortable performing it. Pop, rock, country, rap or jazz – it doesn’t matter as long as you feel confident performing it.
I’m a singer. Can my back-up music have vocals?
Limited harmonies or utterances may be used on back-up music. The Judges Must be able to clearly hear the vocal performer over the backing track and any utterances.
Do you know how or what type of music has limited harmonies or utterances? Or can I remove the vocals, harmonies and utterances from the CD I want to use as background music?
Vocals, harmonies and utterances cannot be removed from a CD.
You will have to use Karaoke CD versions or instrumental
versions. Alternatively, you could use a live accompanist.
Who selects the semi-finalists in each age division?
A panel of three judges will review all submissions received. These same judges will be judging the semi-finals and finals.
Will you let me know when you receive my entry?
No. Due to the large number of entries, we will not be
confirming receipt of individual applications. If you would like
to make sure that your package has been received, we recommend
that you either send the application via a delivery service that
provides signature confirmation of receipt or submit your entry
in person.
How and when will I know if I’ve made it to the semi-finals?
If you have made it to the semi-finals, we will contact you
by email or mail no later than July 9, 2010. Due to the large
number of applicants, we will not notify contestants who have
not been selected to advance. If you have not heard from us by
July 9, 2010, you have not been invited to advance to the
semi-finals but we welcome and encourage you to try again next
year. The list of semi finalists & their performance date will
be posted on the website in late July.
Will you return my video to me?
No, video entries will not be returned.
What are the prizes for the competition?
Semi-finalists who place third in their day of semi-final
competition will receive One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) in
Canadian Dollars.
Semi-finalists who place second in their day of semi-final competition will receive Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) in Canadian Dollars.
Semi-finalists who place first in their day of semi-final competition will receive Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) in Canadian Dollars.
Following the semi-finals all finalists will compete against all of the categories for the grand prizes.
The Third place winner of the finals will receive One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00) in Canadian Dollars.
The Second Place winner of the finals will receive Two Thousand Dollars ($2000.00) in Canadian Dollars.
The First place and overall winner will receive Five Thousand Dollars ($5000.00) in Canadian Dollars.
The contest has overall prizing worth $10,000 including prize money and gifting.
Judges will select the highest ranked Youth Contestant to represent the PNE at the 2010 Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions Canadian Youth Talent Competition held November in Calgary Alberta.
I still have questions. How can I contact you?
The best way to contact us is by email. Email us at
TalentShowdown@prpconnect.com. You can also leave a message
at 604-251-7779 and someone will call return your call as soon
as possible.
