TeenFest is a group and cause very close to my heart and their Performance Troupe is holding auditions for new talent to help herald the violence-free and drug-free message to audiences throughout the Triangle area and beyond. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to audition. No fee.

ALL ACTS must be original with an anti-violence and anti-drug theme.   Messages can range from no guns in schools to sexual assault to and violence in relationships, and from gang violence to drug prevention, including anti-underage smoking and -underage drinking.

ACTS can be song, dance, spoken word, skit, hip-hop, step, etc., as long as the message is clear, factual, and polished. G-rated acts only; no profanity, no inappropriate behaviors. Acts must be 3-5 minutes long. Top acts invited to join the TeenFest Performance Troupe.

AUDITIONS: May 5, 1-4 PM, John “Top” Greene Community Center, 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.,Raleigh.

FIRST PERFORMANCE: ARTSPLOSURE, May 19, 1:30 p.m., downtown Raleigh

During their 14 years in existence, the TeenFest Performance Troupe has performed at Artsplosure, Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe, the African-American Cultural Festival, MLK Day celebrations, and at many more events and venues. For more information, go to Teenfest.org.