Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
Event Start Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: State Theatre New Jersey
Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes (no intermission)
Central New Jersey’s premier community talent show for ages 8-25 is back! Jersey Talent provides an exciting platform for youth to express themselves through their art in a supportive and safe environment. This event, held at the historic State Theatre New Jersey, celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of young performers, and promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Auditions Now Open!
If you’re a young performer between the ages of 8 and 25, you can apply to be part of Jersey Talent! Whether you’re a singer, dancer, musician, or have another talent to share, we want to see what New Jersey has to offer. Simply complete the online application form and include a video link (no longer than 2 minutes) showcasing your talent. No prior experience is necessary, and we encourage all types of performances—solo or in small groups (up to 4 people). Please note, no live animals or pyrotechnics will be allowed, and businesses or professional acts are not eligible.
The application deadline is February 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM, and finalists will be contacted by February 25 for live callback auditions. Performers under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian approval.
The Program
Jersey Talent is a celebration of youth artistry, bringing together a wide variety of performances that highlight the rich artistic diversity of New Jersey. Ten finalists will compete in front of a live audience, showcasing their skills in music, dance, and beyond. The finalists will perform in the following order:
- John Boudouvas – Tap dancer from Metuchen
- Isabella DiStasio – Singer from Hillsborough
- Victoria Wylde – Pianist and composer from Milltown
- Emmanuelle Aria Castañeda – Singer from New Brunswick
- Angelina & Marianna Berberich – Irish step dancers from Avon-by-the-Sea
- Elizabeth Larsen – Singer from Elizabeth
- Laura Rodriguez – Singer-songwriter-guitarist from Colonia
- Cullen Hussey – Singer from Southampton, PA
- Marissa Lazovick – Dancer from Branchburg
- Crowfield – Band from Monmouth County
The Judges
The finalists’ performances will be judged by a panel of four experienced professionals from the New Brunswick community, who will provide feedback and select the top three. The judges include:
- Carolina Moratti
- Professor Bob Ramos
- Jessica Trechak
- Lindy Zeledón
The winner will be determined by audience applause, adding a fun and interactive element to the competition.
The Hosts
Guiding the audience through this exciting evening will be dynamic hosts Claudio Mir and Sarah Ferreira. Their engaging personalities and enthusiasm will keep the energy high as they introduce the young talent taking the stage.
About Jersey Talent
Jersey Talent was created with the goal of providing a platform for young performers to showcase their abilities in a supportive, non-competitive environment. According to Sarah Chaplin, President & CEO of State Theatre New Jersey, “There are so many talented kids in our region who are looking for an outlet, a place to perform outside their schools, and we wanted to provide that outlet with Jersey Talent.”
The finalists for Jersey Talent were selected after a rigorous process of video and live auditions. This event not only highlights the remarkable talent of New Jersey’s youth but also strengthens the sense of community by bringing together friends, family, and supporters to cheer on the next generation of performers.
The Prize
The winner of Jersey Talent will receive the incredible opportunity to perform as a featured artist at the New Brunswick Heart Festival on August 10, 2025. This high-profile performance offers the winner a chance to take their talent to a larger audience and further their artistic journey.
Join Us for the 2025 Jersey Talent Show!
Don’t miss the chance to see the next wave of New Jersey’s brightest stars in action. Whether you’re a fan of music, dance, or other forms of performance, Jersey Talent offers something for everyone. The event promises to be a thrilling celebration of creativity, showcasing the diverse artistic spirit of New Jersey’s youth.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit State Theatre New Jersey.