Skylands Got Talent returns to Newton Theatre

Jonathan Peirce, director of the Newton Theatre, hopes that the second annual “Skylands Got Talent” program will change more than one life.

On the one hand, the talent show (which will be held at the Newton Theater this Sunday, April 19) raises funds for three organizations dedicated to advocacy related to autism.

Peirce knows firsthand the benefits of such organizations. His eight-year-old son, Theo, is on the autism spectrum and attends the Reed Academy in Oakland.

The academy is one of the three recipients of funds from “Skylands Got Talent.” The other two organizations are Autism Speaks and Autism NJ.

“I’ve seen the improvements (Theo) has made attending an autism-centered school,” Peirce says. “These advocacy groups do a lot of great work. They make a difference in people’s lives.”

But more immediately, the winners of “Skylands Got Talent” also stand to benefit. The 18 acts are competing for several prize packages geared toward performers. For example, one winner will receive free time at Steinwand Sound Studio in Newton.

Other prizes include a package of promotional flyers and posters from Minisink Press, another Newton business, a run of T-shirts printed by Blue Raven Artists, and a gift certificate from Sussex County Music.

In addition, the winner may also be given an opportunity to perform as an opening act for an upcoming concert at the Newton Theatre.

These are the types of prizes that can matter a great deal to a performing, Peirce notes. “Any artist needs help getting started in their career. This can really make a difference to a performer.”

This year’s edition of “Skylands Got Talent” features a variety of performers, such as the acoustic folk/bluegrass trio Mason Jar Rebellion, the alternative rock/metal band Mortal Coil, and the Hackettstown-based Dance Expressions Performing Troupe.

Various singers will also perform, including a Tuvan throat singer. Rounding out the line-up are an a capella vocal group called No Strings, and a hula-hoop act.

The 18 acts were chosen from more than 50 artists who submitted YouTube video clips to be considered.

“This is a show for anyone who lives in the Skylands area, including parts of eastern Pennsylvania,” Peirce says. “Many of them are young people, which I think is great. You want to encourage talent.”

The participants in the talent show will be judged by a panel of individuals associated with the arts in northwest New Jersey.

In a larger sense, Peirce sees “Skylands Got Talent” as a way to foster a sense of community centered at the Newton Theatre. “We want to make people aware of how much great talent there is in our area,” he says.

The opportunity to raise awareness about autism is another important point, Peirce says.

For that reason, the Newton Theatre again participated in the global “Light It Up Blue” campaign. On April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, the building’s lobby and exterior were bathed in blue lights.

It is also the reason why Peirce has scheduled “Skylands Got Talent” for April, which is Autism Awareness Month.

“Autism touches everyone,” Peirce says. “Anyone in any community knows somebody who has a family member who is on the autism spectrum.”

IF YOU WANT TO GO

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

The 2nd annual “Skylands Got Talent” show will be held on Sunday, April 19, at the Newton Theatre.

The program consists of 18 different acts, such as dancers and a variety of musical acts from rock bands to a Tuvan throat singer. The prizes include time in a recording studio and a promotional package.

Proceeds from the talent show go to three autism-related nonprofit organizations: Autism Speaks, Autism NJ, and Reed Academy in Oakland, NJ.

2nd ANNUAL SKYLANDS GOT TALENT

WHAT: Eighteen different performers take part in this judged talent show. Proceeds go to three nonprofit organizations: Autism Speaks, Autism NJ, and Reed Academy in Oakland, NJ. Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants.

WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19

WHERE: Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St., Newton

TICKETS: $20 for adults, $10 for children age 12 and under

INFORMATION: 973-383-3700 or www.thenewtontheatre.com