Prescott’s Got Talent Jr. is a youth talent showcase and scholarship competition designed to celebrate and elevate the next generation of performers.
Open to young artists ages 11–18, PGT Jr. offers two divisions (11–14 and 15–18) and provides a dynamic, real-world performance experience on a professional stage. Contestants perform live for an audience and a panel of industry professional judges, including talent agents, producers, and working professionals from across film, television, and the performing arts.
The event features live musical performances, comedic hosting, and a high-energy showcase environment that mirrors the expectations of the professional entertainment industry. Past judges have included representatives from major talent agencies such as Gersh and Paladin, Marvel Studios producers, and established leaders in musical theatre and music.
More than a competition, PGT Jr. is an opportunity for young performers to grow their confidence, share their artistry, and experience what it feels like to perform on a big stage in a supportive yet professional setting. Scholarship prizes are awarded to recognize excellence, artistry, and potential.
Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.
AUDITIONS
October 3, 2026
Auditions for Prescott’s Got Talent Jr. will be evaluated by youth performing arts professionals and educators from the Quad Cities area.
Auditionees should prepare and perform the exact piece they intend to use for the competition. Changes to performance material will not be permitted after auditions, so performers are encouraged to select their material thoughtfully and ensure it is fully prepared.
Each audition will be allotted a 3-minute time slot, which includes both setup and performance.
Performances will be judged using the same criteria as the live competition, based on 5 scoring categories. Please review the scoring categories below to ensure you are fully prepared for your audition experience.
INTERVIEWS
October 7-14, 2026
All Prescott’s Got Talent Jr. finalists will participate in a scheduled interview prior to the live event. Several interview dates will be available, and finalists may select the time that works best for them.
Interviews will be conducted by members of our production team and local performing arts professionals. Each finalist will complete a brief on-camera interview designed to highlight their personality, artistry, and journey as a performer.
These interviews will be professionally edited and used to create a custom video introduction for each finalist, which will be shown prior to their live performance on stage.
Interview scheduling information will be provided following finalist selection.
JUDGING CATEGORIES
COMPETITION
October 24, 2026
The Prescott’s Got Talent Jr. competition will take place at The Hendrix Theatre, with a mandatory tech rehearsal scheduled for October 23. Individual performer call times will be assigned and distributed following auditions.
Competitors will perform in the division in which they auditioned and were selected. The event will feature a full production experience, including a red carpet arrival, live competition performances, a special musical guest, and hosting by a professional comedian (TBD).
This is a scholarship-based competition, with awards presented to the top three performers in each division, along with a Judges’ Choice award per division.
Each performance will be evaluated using the same scoring criteria at both auditions and the live competition. Judges will assess performers across the following categories:
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The performer’s confidence, connection to the audience, use of the stage, and overall command while performing.
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The uniqueness of the performance, artistic choices, interpretation, and the performer’s ability to bring something fresh and personal to their piece.
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The level of technical proficiency demonstrated, including accuracy, control, timing, and execution specific to the performer’s discipline.
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The overall impact of the performance, including engagement, energy, emotional connection, and the ability to captivate an audience.
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The performer’s readiness, polish, organization, and ability to deliver a cohesive performance from start to finish.
JUDGING PHILOSOPHY & DISCLAIMER
Prescott’s Got Talent Jr. is designed as a variety-style performance event, not a strictly technical competition. While technical skill is an important component of judging, it is one of five equally weighted categories used to evaluate each performance.
Contestants are encouraged to focus on overall performance quality, including creativity, stage presence, preparation, and entertainment value. Strong storytelling, originality, confidence, and connection with the audience are just as important as technical execution in determining overall scores.
This approach allows performers from a wide range of disciplines and experience levels to be evaluated fairly and holistically, honoring the diverse talents showcased on stage.
PGT Jr. AWARD RECIPIENTS
RISING ARTISTS
1st Place
2026 DIVISION 1 WINNERS
TBD
1st Place
TBD
2nd Place
TBD
2nd Place
TBD
3rdPlace
TBD
2026 DIVISION 2 WINNERS
3rdPlace
TBD
2025 WINNERS
Judges Choice
TBD
Judges Choice
TBD
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1st Place: Everly Wynn Koiter
2nd Place: Hadley Adams
3rd Place: AnnaSophia Brown
Judges’ Choice: Ittai Adamas Tipping
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1st Place: Seth Baillie
2nd Place: Movement Dance Team
3rd Place: Connor Ratajski
Judges’ Choice: Analise Sullivan