MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Kids as young as four were given the red carpet treatment during the Children, Youth and Teen Program talent show held at Camp Pendleton’s theater, Aug. 22.
Fourteen performing groups were given the opportunity to showcase their talents to family members and friends with song, dance or a combination of both.
Biannca Guzman, a vocalist, said she enjoyed performing in front of her family and friends. Dancing and singing for an audience of people she knows really prepares her to become a performer, she said.
“I had a lot of fun and even though I was competing against my friends, I was cheering them on from the audience,” Guzman said.
During the show Kevin Dozier, a professional guest performer from San Diego, sang one of his recorded songs to the audience. He also told his life story as a way to inspire the children to pursue their dreams.
“I wanted to explain to them that the sky is the limit,” said Dozier. “This show is only the beginning, if they want to pursue a career in performing arts.”
Six winners were chosen by the audience, but each contestant received a gift card, CD or video game just for participating.
“This event was an opportunity to show the talent of Pendleton’s residents,” said Jacqueline Patterson, director of CYTP.
The show was dedicated to military personnel therefore the youth organization plans on sending videos of the show to service members who are currently deployed.
“We want to show (the troops) some family love and thank them for serving our country,” said Patterson.
Another talent show is scheduled for January. The plan is to open the event to all ages and military personnel.
To star in the next show, please contact the CYTP at (760) 725- 2102.