One of a kind, 21st Annual International Performing Arts Championships lands in Long Beach, CA

(Presented by Worldstars ™)

Singers, musicians, dancers, actors and models are ready to compete before 75 judges from the entertainment industry at the 21st Annual World Championships of Performing Arts®, June 30 - July 9, 2017 in Long Beach, California. This international meet is often cited as the official “Talent Olympics” for aspiring performers.

Selections for contestants have been held in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and South Africa. “Contestants from over 50 countries are expected to participate,” says Griff O’Neil, competition CEO and a former executive of the Miss Universe Pageant, “vying for ‘the gold’ PLUS a total of $400,000 in scholarships: $30,000 from the Millennium Dance Complex, $150,000 from the New York Film Academy, and $200,000 from the New York Conservatory for Film and Television in 2016!”

Before the opening ceremonies and competition begins, contestants look forward to the much-anticipated WORLDSTARS Boot Camp, an unmatched full-day of the most comprehensive performing arts seminars and workshops given by top industry experts.

A popular highlight of the international meet is the spectacular Opening Ceremonies and WORLDSTARS Parade of Nations. Similar to the Olympics Opening Ceremony, ‘thrilled’ contestants from over 50 countries parade in beautiful costumes representing their nations. Along the parade route, stages are set-up for a variety of international entertainment. The WORLDSTARS Parade of Nations is free to the public and takes place outside of the Long Beach Convention Center.

Adding to the fun, a WORLDSTARS Village - much like an “Olympic Village” where you can meet teams from around the world, will be set-up in front of the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. During these days, Worldstar contestants and families will enjoy special events which include: DJ Dance Party, "Champion Circle", and the the World Championships of Performing Arts announcement of Finalists with live entertainment rounding out the evening. International talent, food trucks and fun! Entrance to the WORLDSTARS Village is free and open to the public. *

The week of competition culminates with the exciting World Championships of Performing Arts/ WORLSTARS Grand Finale Competition - a live global webcast staged in the beautiful Terrace Theatre in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. The pre-show is followed by a live webcast where the best of the best vie for World Championship titles. Featured artists and former WCOPA Champions will perform. Information on Ticket sales will be made available on a date closer to the event by calling the Box Office and online via Ticketmaster. *

Entertainment industry greats from Hollywood, Nashville and New York, have served as judges and been honored with induction into the Performing Arts Hall of Fame® at this prestigious global competition. Previous honorees include: Debbie Allen, Ann-Margret, Jaclyn Smith, Justin Chambers, Liza Minelli and Dolly Parton. Last year’s honoree was world renowned entertainer Engelbert Humperdinck.

2017 judges will be announced in the months to come. Previos year's judges included Cirque du Soleil’s Head Artistic Director Pierre Parisien, world renowned casting director Harriet Greenspan, Anita Mann -Emmy Award-winning choreographer and live show producer, Janet Alhanti - one of the most sought after acting coaches to the stars, Bob Garrett - vocal coach to some of the most respected singers and actors in Hollywood, LA Models’ Crista Klayman considered the #1 runway agent in America, and Lang Elliott - the original founder of TriStar Pictures, a two-time Academy Award nominee who has produced and distributed over 125 motion pictures. Other final judges include Victoria Morris, James Charles, Bob McKinnon, Keith Naisbitt, Jennifer Tomiko Kohatsu, and Kenya Clay. *

Executive Board

Griff O’Neil

Former executive with the Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants televised on CBS and fully-sponsored by Procter & Gamble. International event producer for over thirty-five years.  Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Worldstars® International Inc. and the World Championships of Performing Arts®.  Originator of the Performing Arts Hall of Fame®, and International Worldstars® Association.  Creator of Destination Hollywood®, Hollywood Bound®, and The Next Worldstar®.

Gwen Wilson

President and Producer of the World Championships of Performing Arts®.  Executive producer of national and international events for stage and television the past twenty (20) years; manager of an award-winning vocal group; worked on award-winning music video production; Special Events Director for non-profit organizations; and producer of telethons.

Alan Margulies 

Former Vice President of Entertainment of Caesars Palace (Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Atlantic City).  Founder and President of his own management/production company with clients such as Ann-Margret, Paul Anka, Burt Reynolds, Linda Gray.  Executive Producer of numerous television movies, miniseries, and series.  A producer of the first major sports show from Macau satellited into Mainland China on CCTV.  He also did a series of shows on Shanghai Media Group (SMG) Television.

Nancy Bianconi

WCOPA International Field Representative.  President/CEO of NoHo Communications Group, Inc., an arts marketing firm which has consulted with national arts service organizations and hundreds of theaters and dance companies in New York and Los Angeles, and is now providing arts consulting services in China. She has produced three Off Broadway plays which ran for more than three years and toured to other cities. 

Judy Garland

Senior Vice President New Business Development for WCOPA.  International consultant for film and TV production companies for destinations worldwide.  Ms. Garland has traveled the world working with governments to promote filming and TV productions for their specific destination.  Producer of highly-praised documentaries.  Served on the Board of Directors for Caribbean Tourism Authority and several charitable organizations. 

Chuck Lorimer

Chief Financial Officer of Worldstars® and World Championships of Performing Arts®.  President of Lorimer & Zimmerman LLC which provides services such as Business Management, Consulting - Management, Consulting - Payroll Services, Small Business Accounting, Tax - Business & Occupation, Tax - Consulting, Tax - Corporate, Tax - Estate & Trust, Tax - Individual, Tax - LLC & LLP, Trusts - Accounting.

For more information about World Championships of Performing Arts contact info@wcopa.com visit www.wcopa.com 
* Times, events, ticket availability and participating Judges are subject to change.