Sixteen-year-old vocalist, Sophie Pitman, is proving she has what it takes as she prepares for the performance of a lifetime next month at the Ex in Saskatoon.
Sophie advanced her way through the local fair to the provincial zone and is one of 35 semi-finalists that will be competing at next month's Canadian Youth Talent Competition. The contest is funded by the Canadian Fairgrounds Association and is designed to encourage the development of performing arts talents among Canadian youth.
Sophie will be performing her own unique version of Defying Gravity from the Broadway musical, Wicked.
Participants are assessed on their natural ability, quality of performance, stage presence and audience rapport. They are judged by professionals from the performing arts industry.
The top three contestants will receive a financial prize and all contestants will receive a commemorative medallion in recognition of their excellence. The top finalist will go on to compete at the nationals in London, ON.
"I'm feeling really confident. I feel that I can 'defy gravity,' that I can go the distance and go on to nationals in Ontario," Sophie commented.
Originally from Swindon, England, Sophie has lived in Battleford for six years. She played clarinet in the school band at St. Vital Catholic School and for the North Battleford Kinsmen City band, but has no formal voice training.
She attended a weeklong singing camp in the Battlefords to polish her technique and prepare for the competition. Summer School for the Solo Voice is a seven-day intense study in vocal technique and performance, directed by Lisa Hornung.
Sophie said the coaching was extremely helpful in teaching her how to reach higher notes and learning about her true voice through recordings.
Aside from her natural ability to sing, she also enjoys writing and has aspirations to become an author in the future.
Come and support your local youth talent at the Saskatoon Ex and see Sophie's performance at 7:30 p.m. on Aug.11 at the Prairieland Park.
