Anna and Adam prepare to step into the lights of Star Search gig

Performing under the big lights on centre stage is part of life for Highton students Anna Ballinger and Adam Di Martino.
While Anna and Adam have both had experience performing in front of audiences, they are now fine tuning their musical skills for this year’s Powercor Star Search auditions.
Anna, 18, a former Christian College student, knows what to expect after reaching the finals of the prestigious local talent quest last year.
A singer and flautist, Anna is studying singing at Victorian College of the Arts.
She was looking forward to the chance to show her skills at Star Search
“It’s fantastic to perform on the massive Costa Hall stage,” Anna said.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
This year’s Star Search will be a first for 16-year-old Adam even though he is used to the big lights.
Earlier this year he sang, acted and danced in the local production of West Side Story as one of its Shark characters.
“West Side Story was challenging and Star Search gives me the chance to take that next step as a performer,” he said.
Star Search organisers are urging local performers to register for auditions.
Vocal auditions will be 7pm next Tuesday at St Luke’s church, Barrabool Road, Highton.
Instrumental auditions will be at the same venue on May 11.
Organisers said audition registrations were available at www.starsearch.net.au.
More information was available by emailing powercorstarsearch@gmail.com.
The winning vocalists and instrumentalists in each category will win $1000. Other place-getters receive $500 for second and $300 for third place.
Star Search also has prizes for reaching the grand final, for promising performers and for the overall winner in each category.
The grand final will be on May 29 at Costa Hall, in Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus.
Previous Star Search winners have included international opera star Cheryl Barker and Australian pop sensation Missy Higgins.
Tickets are available from Geelong Performing Arts Centre at $20 for individuals, $15 for concession card holders or $55 for a family.
The Independent is a sponsors of Star Search, which is a Rotary Club of Highton community service project.