Nominations for 2011 Soldier Show due Jan. 18

By Mr. William Bradner (FMWRC)January 5, 2011

Nominations for 2011 Soldier Show due Jan. 18
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Nominations for 2011 Soldier Show due Jan. 18
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Nominations for 2011 Soldier Show due Jan. 18
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Nominations for 2011 Soldier Show due Jan. 18
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Nominations for performer and technician positions in the 2011 U.S. Army Soldier Show are being accepted through Jan. 18, 2011.

"The packets need to be here on the 18th," according to Andy Gilliam, Army Entertainment Division (AED) director, "because we're opening them up and making audition selections on the 19th."

AED is seeking vocalists, dancers, and musicians to perform, as well as lighting, audio, video, costuming and stage technicians to support the performers. The Soldier show is a high-energy live musical that showcases the talents of Soldiers. National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers must be activated by their units to be eligible.

"It's the toughest job you'll ever love," explained Gilliam.

"The courage it takes for these Soldiers to get on stage and perform a 75-minute routine is tremendous," he explained. "Not only do we take them out of their comfort zone and make them do things they are not used to, we ask them to do it in six weeks. This includes the vocal training, choreography, scene/costume transitions, set build and tear down, and more."

The Soldier performers and technicians also are their own road crew, setting up and breaking down the stage and lighting at each of the 70-plus stops the tour makes worldwide each year. They tour primarily by bus in the continental U.S., with a handful of overseas performances at the end of the season.

"To successfully manage this tour, all Soldiers gain strength from each other, family members, religious beliefs, physical training, and self preservation," Gilliam said. "Once a Soldier becomes comfortable with the daily routine and confident with their performance, they shine. They shine because they put their heart and soul into something they love to do for the many men and women who play a part in protecting our way of life, be it military, civilian, family members, or retirees."

The selection of nominees through local installation and/or regional level competitions is encouraged, but not required. Interested Soldiers may self nominate by sending their packets directly to the AED offices.

All nominations must include an official Department of the Army photo, a copy of the Soldier's enlisted or officer record brief, current physical test scores, and a copy of the latest NCO Evaluation Report or Officer Evaluation Report. Performers must also submit a video-audition on DVD and technicians are required to submit a resume and photos of past work.

Complete details on the nomination process are available on ArmyMWR.com.

AED Officials will review all packets and select 12-20 Soldiers to travel to Fort Belvoir, Va., for live auditions. All travel costs will be paid for by the Family and MWR Command. Soldiers selected through the audition process will be attached to AED through Nov. 30, 2011, and must have a letter of release from their command, endorsed by a battalion-level or equivalent officer.

Nominations should be sent to: U.S. Army Soldier Show, Attn: 2011 Selection Committee, PO Box 439, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060.

Related Links:

Visit the Army MWR Website

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