Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions

The CYTC is designed to encourage the development of performing arts talents among Canadian youth. In 1991, the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, with the support of the Patty Conklin Memorial Fund, held the first annual Canadian Youth Talent Competition in Vancouver, BC at the C.A.F.E. convention.

Participants represent the best of young Canadians between 13 and 21. They have performed their way from the local fair, to the provincial zone, and on to the Canadian competition which takes place at the annual CAFE convention.

Participants are assessed on their natural ability, quality of performance, stage presence, and audience rapport. They are judged by professionals from the performing arts industry. The top three contestants receive a financial prize and all contestants receive a commemorative medallion in recognition of their excellence.

Over the years the CYTC has featured a variety of performances from self-composed drum solos, to musical comedy, to group dance, and more. Check out some of the success stories:

	Canadian Idol finalist Craig Sharpe competed at the CYTC in 2003 and Jenny Gear who finished in the top ten of Canadian Idol was a CYTC participant in 1999.
	2001 CYTC 3rd place winner Samantha King released her first album in 2002 and is regularly featured in Country Music News magazine.
	1996 participant Michael Bublé released his album BaBalu in 2003 and his international hit album it’s time in 2005.
	Two CYTC graduates can be seen dancing in the Hollywood mega-hit movie Chicago, including 1999 CYTC participant Julius Sermonia and Mr. Dance America 2002 Blake McGrath.
	Fans of professional dance will have seen Julius Sermonia perform on Broadway and as Mistoffelees in New York production of Cats.
	Stephanie Cadman, the 1998 Solo Female World Tap Dance Champion, has performed in Bowfire and in professional musical theatre.
	Chad Klinger, 1998 CYTC participant, had two top 20 country hits by age 21.
	Matthew-Aaron Dusk has released two jazz CDs and performed on the TV show The Casino since participating in the CYTC in 1999.
	Bass-baritone Justin Welsh is featured on the CD-release of Edward Elger's The Dream of Gerontius.
	Giovanni Amenta shines on all 3 of his CDs, which include moving Italian and English songs.
	"Diva-in-the-making" Tiffany Deriveau performed in the musical Mamma Mia and recently released a solo CD.

Take the Path to Success!
If you are between the ages of 13 and 21 and want to participate at the CYTC, contact the zone coordinator in your area to get started!