Fourteen teens were selected to perform in The Music Center’s Spotlight Grand Finale. (photo courtesy of The Music Center)

The Music Center will broadcast its 33rd annual Spotlight Grand Finale on the award-winning arts and culture series “Southland Sessions.”

In partnership with KCET and PBS SoCal, the hour-long program will air on PBS SoCal at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11.

The Grand Finale is the culmination of a year-long journey for Southern California high school students interested in the performing arts. Approximately 1,500 students applied, and 14 finalists were selected after participating in three rounds of auditions, numerous performances and mastery classes.

By emphasizing preparation, critical thinking and perseverance, Spotlight enables students to hone their skills through performance opportunities, audition experiences and mentorship by professional artists and arts administrators. Spotlight is completely free with no financial barriers for participants, which gives equal footing to all aspiring artists no matter their talent level.

The finalists will give performances in acting, singing, ballet, dance and instrumentals. Each finalist received a $5,000 cash scholarship and the opportunity to performe in the grand finale in front of industry leaders.

The Music Center’s 33rd annual Spotlight Grand Finale was produced by The Music Center in association with Hashtag, You’re It.

Notable alumni include Tony Award winner Lindsay Mendez, American Ballet Theatre’s principal dancer Misty Copeland, Emmy award-winning composer Kris Bowers and major recording artists Josh Groban and Adam Lambert,

To apply to the program, visit musiccenter.org/spotlight.