Theatre News of Canada, which supplies much of Playbill On-Line's Canaidan theatre news, will host "Star Quest," a May 5 Toronto talent showcase that will serive as a benefit for Equity Fights AIDS.

Theatre News hopes "Star Quest," being held at the New Yorker Theatre, Yonge St. Toronto, will become an annual event.

More than 100 performers have registered to enter the semi-finals on April 26 & 27. They will be adjudicated by some of the top casting/artistic directors in Toronto and they will all receive feedback on their performance. At the end of the semi-finals, each casting director will get a binder containing the photos and resumes of the participants.

There are five categories of competition: song, drama, comedy, dance and variety. The top six in each category will go on to perform at the New Yorker May 5. Entry is open until April 14, and both Equity and non-Equity performers are invited to participate.

On May 5 there will be celebrity judges on hand to pick the top performer in each category, and an overall winner. $25,000 in career enhancing prizes have been donated, ranging from photo sessions, to hair and make-up design, to a vocal evaluation. Tickets to see the event cost $35 and can be obtained by calling Theatre News (416) 961-0900.

-- By Ray Ellicock
Theatre News Canada