Member Article

Success for talent competition finalists

Two of last years’ Genfactor finalists are celebrating after being accepted into top performing arts schools. Genfactor contestants Arran Hough and Kate Hilton have both been accepted into top performing arts schools just as the 2015 Genfactor events have begun.

Organised by social enterprise, Gentoo, the annual Genfactor talent competition gives young people the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete for the winner’s title.

Contemporary Dancer, Arran Hough has continued to impress since winning the 2014 Genfactor winner’s title and has now danced his way to a full scholarship with the URDANG Academy.

Arran was spotted by a talent scout whilst performing at a national dance convention with his dance school SK Dance in May 2015 and was invited to an audition. Arran won over the panel and was awarded a place at the academy as well as the title of Most Promising Dancer of the Year.

At just 16, Arran will be one of the youngest to attend the course.

Shameem Karin, SK Dance Principal, said: “Since the Genfactor competition, Arrans success has soared. He’s had such a successful year and we’ve seen his confidence grow and grow. The Genfactor definitely played a big part”.

Southmoor Academy student Kate Hilton, now 16, has also struck gold with her acceptance into the prestigious performing arts academy, the Italia Conti Arts Centre.

Kate competed in the Genfactor competition from 2011-2014 before becoming a Genfactor volunteer, supporting this year’s competition as a judge and a mentor. Having enjoyed her time singing at the Genfactor, Kate decided to fulfil her love of performing and auditioned for a place at the Italia Conti Arts Centre.

Kate will join other budding performers at the academy in September this year.

Vicki Kennedy, Gentoo Creative Projects Co-ordinator, said: “It has been a pleasure to work closely with Kate and Arran and to watch their talent grow. They’re both a phenomenal talent and I wish them all the best as they start at their new schools.”

The Bootcamp stages of the 2015 Genfactor competition have just drawn to a close as 46 talented solo singers, musicians, bands and dance acts battled to win a place in the final.

Contestants had already made it through the initial auditions to get to the bootcamp stages of the competition where they competed against each other to win one of 16 places in the final which will be held at Rainton Meadows Arena on Wednesday 28 October.

Judges are currently undertaking the selection process and the finalists will be announced shortly.

Since beginning in 2009, the Genfactor has seen more than 900 talented young people take part. The competition brings together the local community, staff, partners and volunteers to recognise and celebrate talent in Sunderland. The event gives young, local performers the change to build confidence, make friends and gain experience of performing in front of an audience.

Gentoo Group’s whole ethos is about believing nothing is impossible and finding new ways to challenge conventions, Gentoo aims to make society a better place to live and to make a real difference to the way people live their life. To find out more about Gentoo, visit gentoogroup.com for more information or follow @gentoogroup on Twitter

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emily Morris .