The 2017 StarT Musical Competition in Speyer with Jacqui

Jacqui was once again invited to Speyer to serve as a judge at the Musical StarT Competition 2017, organised by Musical StarT e.V., and was delighted to accept the invitation from artistic director Judith Janzen. This competition for young musical theatre talent took place for the sixth time this year and is held under the patronage of Pia Douwes. Other judges included Prof. Noelle Turner from the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen and Norbert Hunecke, who currently works as a recruitment consultant at ZAV Künstlervermittlung Musical, a specialist division of the Agency for Employment.

The Musical StarT Competition is aimed at students, apprentices, young professionals and students who are not currently undertaking professional musical theatre training.

We think it’s brilliant when established professionals in the musical theatre genre make it their mission to provide a stage for the next generation and give them a chance first to meet one another, and then to showcase their talents, develop and establish themselves. Especially when such events are organised with care and professionalism, the long journey there and back is well worth it for such an intensive weekend!

Jacqui Dunnley-Wendt with Prof. Noelle Turner, Norbert Hunecke and Judith Janzen. Jacqui Dunnley-Wendt with Prof. Noelle Turner and Norbert Hunecke.

The opportunity to give participants personal feedback and, in this way, hopefully provide them with food for thought and inspiration for their work is, in this case, a rewarding part of our job – especially when our advice falls on receptive ears! It is of secondary importance whether the participants decide to pursue a professional career on the stage or whether acting, dance and singing are to remain a hobby. Discovering talent and seeing young people who are so passionate and enthusiastic about what they do brings us great joy – and this year’s Musical StarT Competition 2017 was no exception!

We would also like to take this opportunity to once again extend our heartfelt thanks to the organisers led by Judith Janzen, the participants, fellow judges and all the helpers for the wonderful weekend in Speyer.