The Armenian Community Performing Arts Awards is certainly a first for the Armenian Community.

Never before has a competitive event aimed at bringing together participants from all our schools, community groups and individuals.

The Hamazkaine Shant Chapter has launched this event to recognise the abilities that lie within our community. Very often we see talented individuals and groups, and wonder why they have gone unnoticed? The Performing Arts Awards will give the public the opportunity to acknowledge these artists. At the same time, it will allow young performers to experience the magic of performing live on stage in friendly competition and to encourage them to develop the confidence to strive for greater achievement.

The Performing Arts Awards are attracting talent from a wide range of performers. A variety of schools, dance, theatre and music groups as well as individuals are invited to participate. All areas of the performing arts are being encouraged including instrumental, choral, poetry recital and all forms of music and dance.

As the event is aimed at Armenian youth, the event is open for competitors aged 3 through to 30 years of age. Due to the wide range of ability within these ages, the competition will be classified into three divisions. Division A will cover competitors aged 3-10 years of age. Division B will include competitors aged 11-16 years of age and Division C will include competitors aged 17-30 years of age. As the event is still in the formative stages and competitors will be categorized by age and judged accordingly.

In the spirit of encouraging young performers, accolades will be awarded. A representative of the subcommittee has stated: "We did consider having a simple non-competitive talent show. However, introducing the element of competition would mean that participants and teachers would truly focus and strive to put their best foot forward."

The open nature of the competition will allow participants to be judged on the quality of their performance and presentation. As the age groups cover a very wide range of abilities, each competitor will be judged considering their age at all times throughout the audition and competition process. We are also looking to offer an audience choice award. This will be a single prize offered to a single act chosen by the audience.

Applications for entry are due to be finalised on 20th December 2009. Young people are encouraged to embrace this opportunity and come forward and show the community as well as themselves what they can achieve.