UMF Talent Showcase Semi-Finals

THE SEMI-FINAL ROUNDS
Vocalist and Spoken Word Contestants will compete on Wed, March 10 at Aces Lounge, doors open at 9pm. The top two performers from each category groups will be chosen to proceed to the Finals

Dance and Step Contestants will compete on Wed March 24 at Aces Lounge, doors open at 9pm. The top two groups from each category will proceed to the Finals.

THE FINALS COMPETITION
The Finals Competition will be held at Karma Lounge on Thursday, April 1, doors open at 9pm. The Winner in each category will receive $500 cash and the opportunity to perform on stage at Urban Music Fest. The Runner Up in each category will receive $250 cash.

RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. Under no circumstances may an act run more than 5 minutes. ACTS RUNNING OVER 5 MINUTES WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED. The act is timed from the first vocal utterance in any vocal category or the first body movement in any dance category

2.  No fire and/or pyrotechnics, smoke or smoke-effect will be allowed on stage at any time.

3. It is to the participant’s benefit to ensure all CDs are of superior quality. Please label each CD with your name for identification. A CD must include only the piece of music required for the performance, and must be cued properly. We cannot be responsible for any CD which is not picked up following your performance.

4. Organizers reserve the right of final decision on any matters pertaining to the Urban Showcase not covered by the rules.

5. Contestants are asked to wear appropriate attire to the competition. Unless part of a costume, contestants wearing cut-off shorts and midriff tops will not be allowed to perform.

JUDGING AND ELIGIBILITY
There will be a minimum of three judges for each competition. Decision of the Contest Judges is final. Contestants will be judged on the following basis:

• Natural Ability
• Quality of Performance
• Showmanship and Suitable Appearance
• Audience Support

Each audience member's vote counts as one point. Each Contest Judge's vote counts as 25 points. In the Semi-Finals, the two contestants with the highest cumulative point total will advance to the Finals Competition. During the Finals, the contestant with the highest cumulative point total will be declared the winner.