The Theatre Development Fund (TDF) and The League of American Theatres and Producers will present the first "Rising Stars Live Broadway Talent Contest " on Oct. 17. The free event will be open to children ages 8 - 18.

The talent contest happens to kick off the first day of ticket sales to another joint TDF/League program, "Kids Night on Broadway," where children get to see a Broadway show free when accompanied by a paying adult. (see separate PBOL story on Kids Night.)

"Rising Stars" takes place Oct. 17 at the Broadway Ticket Center located within the Times Square Visitors Center on the east side of Broadway between West 46 Street and West 47 Street.

The walk-up talent contest will be conducted between 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Oct. 17 on a first come, first served basis. A cut-off will probably be necessary, but either a schedule or a certain limit on the number of contestants has not been announced. Early entries, mail entries and any other pre-registration will not be accepted.

Entrants, ages 8-18, must come with a photo and sheet music, and should be prepared to sing 16 bars of their favorite song. Winners will receive tickets to Broadway shows, signed posters and CDs among other incidental prizes not specified in a prepared statement from TDF and the League.

The "Rising Stars" grand prize winner will perform at the "Kids' Fan Fair" which is scheduled for Jan. 25, just prior to and in connection with the "Kids Night" theatre performances.

There will be celebrity judges on hand, and the children will also be judged by professional agents. Beyond the limited top prizes, organizers stressed that every entrant will be given the valuable opportunity to be seen by a Broadway talent agent.

For information on "Kids Night on Broadway" call The Broadway Line at (888) BROADWAY or (212) 302-4111 in the New York City area.

-- By Murdoch McBride