Budding performers aged 13-21 can apply online now by uploading videos to www.discoveryounghackney.com or come along to the Hackney Empire on Saturday 12 January from 10am – 6pm to wow the judges with their singing, dancing, rapping or comedy skills.
The Alter Ego finals will be hosted by Kat B (MTV Base) on Friday 1 February 2013 and will include performances from top artists. Whoever wins will receive professional industry mentoring.
17 year old dancer Tolu Okamnlawon, who's hoping to study marketing at University won the Alter Ego title last year and since then he's been showcasing his talent at venues across London. Tolu is keen to encourage other young people to get involved with the festival and by competing in Alter Ego, he says: "Getting up on stage is really nerve-wracking but the feeling afterwards is so good, I definitely advise young people to go for it."
Cllr Jonathan McShane, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture said: "Last year's festival was an amazing success. There's an incredible amount of talent and energy amongst young people in the borough. Discover Young Hackney is designed to harness that talent and give young people the practical tools and information they need to get on the right career path, through a very exciting programme of events."
Discover Young Hackney, now in its seventh year is a free festival which promotes participation and training in the arts for young people through a range of taster sessions and workshops run by creative professionals in music, dance, radio, art, literature, photography, design, singing, film and theatre. The Festival runs from 1 February 2013 to 28 February 2013.