The Second Annual "Finke Theatre Has Talent" competition was held at the Finke Theatre on Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2. The contest was open to any non-professional who resides in Moniteau or surrounding counties. All nine acts performed Friday night for the judges who observed several different things including stage presence, preparation, and of course performance. The field was narrowed down to the highest scoring five who were invited back Saturday night for the finale. Again this year the audience was asked to participate by picking the "Audience Favorite" who also appeared in the finale.
Winners of the competition were first place and cash of $500 - Jacob Small who performed a solo on his euphonium.
Second place and cash of $300 was awarded to Sarah Bryant who performed a piano solo.
Third place and cash of $100 was presented to Emily Bilyeu who performed a vocal solo.
Audience Favorite was Kenzleigh Goans who sang a selection from a Broadway play. Finalists also included Angie Dumsday who performed a vocal solo, and Helene Neuenswander who performed a vocal solo.
Appreciation goes to the other talented performers Jana Harrison, Hannah Banderman, Jaden Barr and Lauren Bell Geiser and her cheer team. Also a big thank you to Eddie Schoeneberg, Carol Cummings, and Laura Powell for the almost impossible job of judging.
The Finke Theatre loves to showcase local talent and hopes to have an even bigger event for the Third Annual talent show. Watch for announcements in this paper next Spring and plan now to come to the Community Play at the Finke Theatre on June 13 and 14.