Programs Amateur Night
Amateur Night at the Apollo
The Apollo Amateur Night debuted in 1934 and is the Theater’s longest-running performance series, the quintessential talent competition, serving as the model for Star Search and American Idol. Competitions are held nearly every Wednesday evening throughout the year, culminating with the Super Top Dog competition for a grand prize winning of $10,000. The show marries world-class talent with a distinctive, vaudeville-like atmosphere, and has depended on audience participation since the very beginning. It provides a platform where amateur artists from all walks of life can showcase and develop their skills. The popularity contest has proven an effective measure of star potential, launching the careers of many of the world’s most influential performers. In 2009, the Apollo celebrated the 75th Anniversary of this historic program.
The 2011 season will feature special guest artists and a number of special themed nights. Amateur Night is hosted by the comedian Capone, and each show begins with a pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess. The show also features master impressionist and tap dancer C.P. Lacey as the “Executioner.”
Super Top Dog Competition
Wednesday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Super Top Dog is the grand finale of the 2011 Amateur Night season. Always the hottest night of the year, the audiences go wild as the best of the best contestants compete for the winning title of Super Top Dog and a cash prize of $10,000!
Amateur Night Special: Stars Of Tomorrow
Saturday, December 10 at 5:00 p.m.
The holiday season at the Apollo Theater kicks off on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 5 p.m. with an Apollo Amateur Night performance of Stars of Tomorrow. This special show is an evening filled with entertainment by young musicians, singers, and dancers, primarily ages 10 to 15 years old, who are past winners of Amateur Night. Appearing this year are 16-year old guitarist, Solomon Hicks, and 11-year old singer, Lianah Santa Ana, who will demonstrate why they are the best of the best and on their way to be Apollo legends in the making.