ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – December 30, 2005 – St. Louis Variety will hold a one-day audition for talented local singers and dancers, age 18 and above, to compete for the title of Variety Star. No groups please. This is the second time in Variety’s 72-year history that this title has been awarded. In April of 2005, Sappington resident, Julie Tabish, won the title by popular vote for her vocal performance during Variety’s telethon.

Competitors will vie for an opportunity to compete on the 40th annual Variety telethon, which is scheduled to air on KMOV Channel 4, on April 22, 2006. The winning Variety Star competitor will be awarded a trip to Hollywood to audition for a Sony Pictures.

Auditions are scheduled for Sunday, January 29, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Lee Theatre in the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center located on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Call back auditions are scheduled for Sunday, February 5, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the same location.

Variety Star application forms can be downloaded at www.varietystl.org. They can also be requested by calling, faxing or e-mailing Variety at phone (314) 453-0453 X 22, fax (314) 453-0488 or e-mail at stlouisvariety@varietystl.org. Specific audition and performance guidelines will be included. The deadline for returned application forms is January 26 by 4 p.m. A $25 processing fee must accompany each returned audition form. Upon receipt, Variety will contact each competitor to arrange an audition time for January 29, 2006. Audition times will be confirmed in the order in which applications are received. All singers and dancers must either provide their own CD for musical accompaniment or bring sheet music in the correct key. Players will be provided for those with CD’s.

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