High school students have until Oct. 22 to submit applications to The Music Center’s Spotlight Competition. (photo courtesy of The Music Center)

The deadline to apply for The Music Center’s Spotlight Competition has been extended to Oct. 22.

Southern California high school students interested in the performing arts can apply to be a part of the competition, which provides performing arts scholarships and artistic development through arts experiences, auditions, feedback and mastery classes taught by professional artists and arts administrators. The competition awards more than $100,000 in scholarships each year.

Spotlight is completely free for Southern California high school students, and young artists with all skill levels are encouraged to apply.

In the first round, all participants must submit a video audition online in one or more categories, including acting, ballet, classical instrumental, classical voice, dance, jazz instrumental and non classical voice. Spotlight applicants receive written feedback from a distinguished panel of judges and a certificate of achievement.

Students who advance to the second round will audition live before a panel of judges and receive personalized feedback from a panel of industry experts. All participants who advance to live audition rounds must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate at The Music Center.

Sixteen semifinalists in each category will participate in a semifinal mastery class to gain feedback before their semifinal audition. Applicants are invited to observe most mastery classes. Two grand prize finalists and an honorable mention in each category are announced after the semifinal auditions.

Spotlight will conclude with a Grand Finale evening performance on June 15 at The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre.

To apply, visit musiccenter.org/education/spotlight/apply-now/