Are you a young woman who's a real class act? A teen seeking the limelight? An aspiring singer, actress or dancer between 13 and 17 years of age? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then the Bermuda chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is looking for you.

The first steps are being taken to find the next Miss Talented Teen Bermuda with the holding of auditions this week, the first at The Berkeley Institute tomorrow between 4.30 and 6 p.m., and the second on Thursday, February 7 at CedarBridge Academy between 4.30 and 6.30 p.m.

Bermuda's young women can show off their skills in any discipline of the performing arts.

In addition to the traditional performing arts categories, there are also a Leadership Award, the recipient of which will have the opportunity to attend an all-female Leadership Conference in South Carolina, and the Louis Perinchief Award going to the young lady with the highest grade point average. Those wishing to try out for the competition should attend one of the two auditions, and be prepared to present a two-minute performance of their talent. They should bring with them their own music track if necessary. Successful candidates will be notified by telephone later in the week.

The competition itself will be held on May 3 at The Berkeley Institute, and the winner will represent Bermuda in the Hal Jackson's Talented Teen International scholarship competition in the British Virgin Islands this summer.

There are a number of great prizes to be won including over $3,000 worth of scholarship money for tertiary education, gift certificates donated by local businesses and for the winner, the opportunity to connect with overseas talent agents and the chance to display her talents before the world during the one-week, all-expenses-paid trip to the international competition.

There are other, intrinsic rewards for all the participants, including the opportunity to develop public speaking and communication skills, and a greater awareness of financial planning, college preparation, etiquette, personal grooming and creativity. While meeting other young ladies, the contestants will build self-esteem, self-confidence, self-discipline and life-long friendships.

The Miss Talented Teen Bermuda competition is part of the Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International scholarship competition and its purpose is to build self esteem and self confidence through encouragement and exposure to different aspects of the performing arts. The young contestants participate in various training sessions and are critiqued in categories demonstrating academic intelligence, talent and stage presence. The Executive Producer of the programme is Hal Jackson, Group Chairman of Inner City Broadcasting, which owns 19 radio stations as well as cable franchises across the United States. International winners have received over $900,000 in scholarship prizes and intercultural trips abroad.

The local competition was first introduced to Bermuda over 30 years ago, and after a lapse of some years was reintroduced in 2001 by Everard Davis of Bermuda Youth Development. It is now run by the Sigma Xi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The reigning Miss Talented Teen Bermuda is Canjelae Taylor, who wowed both local and international audiences with her singing abilities in the 2007 competitions.

Previous winners include Kharis Brooks (singing and dramatic monologue), Lene Hypolite (dramatic monologue), Teshae Trott (dramatic monologue), Twanee Butterfield (singing) and Danielle Greaves (piano).

For further information you may call Necheeka Trott on 333-9010.