Highlight Reel: December 2021 Talent Expo
The Discovery Spotlight Team was blown away with the outpouring of talent witnessed and recognized at the Dec. 2021 Model and Talent Expo. It was abundantly clear that our organization’s reach is next level. The talent pool was overflowing and the star power was explosive. We are incredibly proud of the network we have created and the hub of industry professionals that joined us in sharing their expertise. The artisanship exhibited was unparalleled and the electricity was palpable.
The most rewarding part of the expos is always the notion that no one goes home empty-handed; even individuals who didn’t win an award left with new insight and knowledge found through our hands-on training workshops. We aim to allow every attendee to learn as much as possible at each event and make connections that will assist them in continuing to hone their craft. Each event has left us in awe of the untapped talent that is waiting to be discovered.
Incredible Performers and Professionals Attended the Talent Expo
We strive to gather the best in the business, both on the talent end as well as from the scout and agent perspective. In order to achieve this, we have created an immersive experience that brings together in-person and virtual attendance. Zoom and Twitch gave online participants and competitors the chance to show their stuff. Discovery Spotlight knows that a star can be born from anywhere, at any time, and we won’t let location stop us from matching an individual with an agent who sees their profound potential.
Myrtle Beach’s Hilton provided us with the modern and professional backdrop that let the waves of talent crash on to the stage. Talent came thoroughly prepared after reviewing our expo guidelines to ensure their acts were as clean as possible. In addition to our basic foundational training and practice sessions, the expo itinerary included five hands-on workshops. The interactive experiences gave participants the opportunity to exercise their chops in all areas of the industry while working alongside some of the most elite names in entertainment. You can check out the scouts we collaborated with to familiarize yourself with the world-class network we are building.
Thanks to our well-connected hub of industry pros, our expos are particularly beneficial to those looking to market themselves as a multi-faceted talent. Following the completion of workshops, talent received an accredited certificate to help boost their resume and commemorate the experience. An Entertainment Emotional Connection Workshop for all ages and fields was put on by Manikin Talent’s Amy and Rich Hershey. A Commercials and Improv Workshop was led by Barry Shapiro, a New York based Casting Director and Coach. New York’s Virtual Dance Center brought on Matthew Prescott to direct a Musical Theatre and Jazz Workshop. John DeGrazio of Watersound Entertainment then hosted Launching your Music Career: Ins and Outs of the Music Industry. The final seminar was the Runway Modeling Workshop hosted by Teri Land of Presence Models. All those in attendance had a chance to soak up knowledge in their chosen fields as well as become better versed in other areas of the industry.
Friday kicked off competitions, awards were presented Saturday, and we rounded out an action-packed weekend with in-person callbacks on Sunday. The events finished with 70 total finalists and three overall winners. The career-making, breakthrough moments haven’t stopped yet as those who participated virtually will receive call-backs over the next few weeks.
The expo boasted a lineup of showcases that covered talent across the board. Categories included Modeling Competitions in Fashion Runway, Swimwear and Fitness and Jeans Runway, Performance in both Dance and Vocal, Acting Competitions in Commercial, Dramatic Monologue, and Comedic Monologue as well as a section dedicated solely to Photo Reviews and Personality Videos.
We’re ecstatic to announce the Discovery Elite Competition and Overall Winners. This expo was on fire with talent from every industry niche. These knockout acts aren’t letting age dub them as novices–we were astounded to find out how young these performers were. Heavy-hitters in the industry, including Stardance Alliance and Starpower International Dance awarded scholarships to these most impressive acts.
Overall Winners:
Eden Risse – Overall Actor
Age 17, Rockport Indiana
Tara Prescott – Overall Performer Dancer
Age 15, Edison, New Jersey
Karsyn Jacobs – Overall Model
Age 12, Hanover, Pennsylvania
The expo proved to be a star-studded event and one we won’t soon forget. Don’t just take our word for it–participants couldn’t stop talking about their experience with Discovery Spotlight.
Rave Reviews:
“Discovery Spotlight is so awesome the people are real–not fake and will do anything they can to help you. The agents and directors are so nice you can ask them any questions and they will let you know what they think. It was just the most wonderful experience that me and my mother ever had. Thank you Discovery Spotlight!”
– Darlene R.
“Discovery Spotlight is a magical space where all talents and souls are discovered by who they are! The most amazing though are Cory and Rebecca and all the team! Simple, brilliant, kind people…friends for a lifetime! Thank you, guys! You are the BEST!!!!”
– Maria O.
“Very easy to work with. Provided me with the best steps in order to jumpstart my career. They teach you, allow you to participate in showcases and bring agencies to you. Wonderful company”
– Emily W.
“This weekend at the expo in Myrtle Beach has been amazing! Rebecca and Cory along with the rest of their staff and agents have been so helpful and down to earth. They helped calm my nerves and reassure me that my dreams CAN still come true as long as I am persistent! Karen was also very helpful and responsive when I auditioned with her! “
– Shawn H