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South Florida’s Kids Got Talent Competition: Bringing Together Children And Families To Celebrate Their Shared Love For Music

September 26, 2024

Tri-Rail, South Florida’s premier commuter rail system, is once again showcasing its commitment to the community by inviting talented young vocalists from across the region to audition for the much-anticipated “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” competition. The event will be held at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, November 23rd. Auditions will run from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., providing a stage for aspiring singers aged 5 to 17 from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

David Dech, Executive Director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), which operates Tri-Rail, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “We are excited to continue this annual Tri-Rail tradition that showcases the vocal talent of our South Florida youth,” said Dech. “The ‘South Florida Kids Got Talent’ competition features some of the greatest young singers from the tri-county area and has helped ingrain Tri-Rail as part of the community.”

This annual competition has evolved into a cornerstone event for South Florida families, drawing participants and spectators from across the tri-county area. The competition is more than just a showcase of talent; it serves as a unifying experience, bringing together children and families from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their shared love for music.

A Stage for Young Talent

Young performers eager to take part in the competition can register for their audition slot by visiting: https://bit.ly/SFKGT2024. Each participant will be given up to four minutes to perform in front of a panel of judges. These judges will assess the performers based on vocal range, stage presence, and overall style. Registration must be completed by Tuesday, November 19th.

The finalists chosen during these auditions will move on to compete in the main event, which will be held in February 2025 during Tri-Rail’s 16th Annual “Rail Fun Day,” presented by Herzog. This major community event, held in Dania Beach, has become a staple in the region’s calendar, offering a variety of interactive activities, food trucks, cookie decorating, face painting, and much more.

Last year’s “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” competition concluded with a remarkable performance by ten-year-old Samantha Schmerling. Her rendition not only won her the grand prize but also highlighted the incredible talent present in the region. Samantha’s award included $500, a one-year contract with Posche Models & Talent which featured a professional photo shoot and composite cards, and a recording session with Renowned Music Producer Mike Soper Music.

Samantha’s success story underscores the potential opportunities for this year’s participants, many of whom may be inspired by her journey. The competition is designed to provide young singers not only with a platform to showcase their skills but also with meaningful prizes and opportunities that can help launch their musical careers.

Community Impact

Tri-Rail’s commitment to fostering local talent extends beyond just organizing the competition. By integrating such events into their annual schedule, Tri-Rail continues to demonstrate its role in enhancing community engagement. The competition not only supports the arts but also brings together families and local residents, reinforcing Tri-Rail’s presence as a community-centered organization.

The “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” competition is part of a broader initiative by Tri-Rail to contribute positively to the cultural and social fabric of South Florida. By providing young talent with a platform to shine, Tri-Rail helps nurture the next generation of performers and artists.

For those interested in participating, securing an audition slot is a straightforward process. Prospective contestants should complete their registration by visiting the link provided. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, November 19th. This early registration ensures that all aspiring singers have the chance to take part in what promises to be a memorable event.

As Tri-Rail prepares to host another round of auditions, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The competition not only celebrates young talent but also reinforces the importance of community involvement and support for the arts. Whether you’re a young singer ready to showcase your talents or a family looking for a fun and engaging event, the “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” competition promises to be an event to remember.

Mark your calendars, prepare your best performances, and join Tri-Rail in celebrating the incredible talent of South Florida’s youth. To secure an audition slot, participants must register at: https://bit.ly/SFKGT2024 on or before Tuesday, November 19th.

Competition Rules
Requirements: To be eligible to participate, performers must reside in South Florida, (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach Counties) and be between the ages of 5 and 17 at the time of auditions and the final show at Tri-Rail's Rail Fun Day during February, 2025. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Employees of SFRTA/Tri-Rail and their immediate family members and those living in the same household are not eligible to participate. Past finalists are eligible to audition. Past winners are not eligible to participate.

Auditions: Auditions will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, located at the Museum of Discovery and Science at 401 Southwest 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. Eligible participants must complete the Registration Form by Tuesday, November 19th at 5:00 p.m. You will receive an email from a representative to schedule your audition time. Contestants must arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled audition start time. Upon arrival for the audition, you will be required to present valid proof of age for all performers and a completed Registration Form.

Prizes: Ten acts from the auditions will be selected by a panel of local judges and asked to compete at the final competition to be held during February, 2025,* (12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.) as part of Tri-Rail’s “Rail Fun Day” community celebration. To be eligible to win the final competition, the performer(s) must be present at the final event. In addition, you must adhere to the same conditions as noted above. One 1st place winner of the final competition on February 11th will be chosen to receive a $500 cash prize, a professional studio recording session compliments of Mike Soper Music, and a photoshoot and comp card courtesy of Posche Models & Talent.

What to perform at the audition: Groups or individuals must be ready to sing a selection of your choice. There will be a 4-minute time limit on all performances. Please note that auditions will be public and other auditioners will be able to view the auditions.

For more information about Tri-Rail, the “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” competition, or other related inquiries, visit: www.tri-rail.com or call: 1-800-TRI-RAIL. For a complete list of rules and to registrater, visit: https://graphics0925.wixsite.com/sfkgt24/register-online

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