rising stars

Are you Howard County’s next rising star?

Each year, we choose up to 10 rising stars to compete for our $5,000 Rising Star Award. Emerging performing artists with roots in Howard County can apply to be among the finalists who will perform at our Celebration gala — with the winner voted on by the audience! The competition is open to performers, both individuals and ensembles (up to four members), ages 18-35, who live, train, work or perform regularly in Howard County or have done so in the past.

Following the finalists’ performances at the gala, the audience — including over 500 artists, arts patrons, community members and business and political leaders — casts their votes for the winner. Votes are tallied during the live event and the award winner is announced on stage! We may also give additional awards based on the amount of funding raised from the event.

Be part of the excitement!

The Howard County Arts Council established the Rising Star Award in 2003 to provide opportunities for emerging performing artists with roots in Howard County. Let us help shine a light on your talents. Submit your application to compete as one of our finalists!

Selection Criteria:

Individuals and ensembles are expected to audition in the selected discipline with the members listed in the application.

Audition pieces must not exceed 3 minutes.

Artistic excellence considerations:

• Artistic expression
• Choice of material
• Technical ability
• Presentation (preparation and polish)

Audience appeal considerations:

• Stage presence and charisma
• Will material resonate with Celebration audiences

If chosen as a finalist by the Celebration Performance Committee, you are expected to perform the auditioned piece with the same group members at the Celebration gala. When choosing your material, please keep in mind the Rising Star Award is determined by popular vote at the gala.