Benefits of 'Stars in Yer Eyes'.

• Following in the footsteps of the latest fads in wannabe stardom a chance for your school to show its musical talent, a chance that some schools don¹t get. 
• Take part in a cross-community venture.
• Give pupils a chance to shine in an area they may not have before.
• Confidence building.
• It's fun and enjoyable, but also very challenging.
• Being part of a national competition and to compete against other schools.
• It's a positive venture with positive gains for both schools and pupils.
• The show is run by us to relieve pressure from you and other teaching staff.
• Each member of the Stars In Yer Eyes production team has completed the Child Protection Course.
• The Grand Final of the Stars In Yer Eyes competition receives local and national media coverage.

How much does it cost?

You will be glad to know it doesn't cost the school anything.  However there is an admission charge at the door which will be advertised prior to the school heat. Door prices are subject to an increase at the Grand Final in the Waterfront Hall Belfast.
Each school will receive 20% of the total takings to cover any costs it might incur (e.g. Caretaker). To raise funds for the school you might want to run a tuck shop or raffle / ballot at the interval.

Heats.

The heats run from October to December and January to March. One act from each school is guaranteed a place in he Grand Final in Belfast for Ulster and the Helix theatre, Dublin for Southern Schools

Rules.

• All pupils taking part must be present pupils at your school.
• Maximum of 12 and Minimum 10 entrants per school.
• Admission Prices subject to change.
• School will receive 20% of door admission fee.
• Song list must be forwarded at least 3 weeks prior to heat.
• Each pupil may only take part on one act.
• The audience votes for two acts in Ulster and one act in the Southern competition, here the other winning act is selected by the SIYE Production team along with the Schools Music Teachers.
• Each act must use a backing track from JW Promotions unless otherwise arranged.  This does not apply to live bands.

What happens on the day.

On the day of the event we arrive at your school for approximately 2.00pm.  We then set up all our equipment, which normally takes until 3pm.  Our stage manager then briefs the teachers and then the acts on the day's events.  

The group of artists are then divided into two groups one of which go for their sound rehearsal while the others go with the compere to go over the short interviews they will be asked on stage.  The two groups then change places.  

Rehearsals are normally finished for 5.30pm we then break for an hour.  The stage manager meets with all the acts at 7.30pm to give some advice and ensure that all acts know exactly what they are doing and when.  The doors of the school open to the public at 7.30pm each person will receive a voting card on entry.  
The show starts at 8pm sharp and lasts for approximately 2hrs 15mins.  We run through all acts and then have the interval where all the voting cards are collected in and counted.

After a short briefing all acts return to the stage for the finale and to find out who the top acts are and who is going through to the Final.

How to enter.

To enter your School in 'Stars in Yer Eyes' firstly approach your music/drama teacher or a teacher who would normally run shows like this in your school.  Direct them to these web page and they can then fill in the application form attached below and forward it to us.

Frequently asked Questions

Q - Do the schools provide costumes and make-up?
A - Yes all acts provide their own costumes and make-up at the Preliminary Heats and Regional Finals. However at the Grand Final JW Promotions provide Hair and Make-up specialists currently from the Newry Institute.

Q - What is the age group for entrants?
A - Between 11 and 18 years old and are currently studying at the school that is taking part.

Q - Where is the preliminary heat held?
A - Mostly it is held in your school hall, however some schools don't have adequate halls /stages so it is held in a local venue like town hall, theatre or hotel.

Q - Where and when are the Regional Finals held?
A - Again in a school hall which we feel is central to visiting schools and are normally held around April time.  Check out our web site or your school for further details.

Q - Who decides who goes through to the Regional Final?
A - In Ulster the audience vote for two acts to go through, a third is chosen by the production team and the schools music teachers.  In Leinster the audience vote for one act with a second act voted for by the production team and the schools music teachers.

Q - Do entrants have to look and sound like the artist?
A - All acts are judged on their own performance, i.e. costume, interview, song, stage presence and audience response.

Q - Can the acts use props and dancers?
A - The more the merrier!

Q - Can acts play their own instruments?
A - We provide backing tracks for all acts, however acts can play there own instruments or be a live band.

Q - Do you have to say "Tonight I'm going to be..."
A - Of course!!