Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 21, 2008

MetroPerforms! returns for a second year

DC auditions to be held May 2 and 3

Metro's Art in Transit program and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities are seeking District of Columbia-based performers for a second year of MetroPerforms! Auditions will take place on May 2 and May 3 at Metro headquarters in northwest Washington, D.C.

MetroPerforms! invites local performers of all genres-singers, dancers, musicians, poets and more-to showcase their talents at select Metrorail station entrances. Metro and participating local arts councils select artists to perform at Metro station entrances from late spring through early fall, and during the end-of-year holiday season.

Last year, hundreds of hopeful performers auditioned to be a part of the inaugural season of MetroPerforms! at Metrorail stations in the District of Columbia, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County. Art in Transit developed MetroPerforms! in 2007 in conjunction with local arts councils served by Metro. The participating arts councils worked with Metro to develop performance criteria and agreed to conduct auditions to select performers, and to provide them a stipend.

Auditions for season two of MetroPerforms! in the District of Columbia will take place on Friday, May 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Metro headquarters, 600 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC. Individuals and groups interested in auditioning for the program should bring a photograph and a one-page biography or resume. Auditions are first-come, first-served. The artists selected will perform at stations in the District of Columbia.

“We were very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive responses from last year’s performances,” said Michael McBride, Metro’s Art in Transit program manager, “We look forward to working with the Arts Commission and local artists to present another year of exciting performances by DC-based entertainers.”

Performances will take place at designated station entrances at a distance far enough away from station stairs and escalators to ensure clear access for people heading into or out of Metrorail stations. In addition, participants in the MetroPerforms! program must pass a background check and will not be permitted to sell merchandise or solicit in any way while performing.

Information on auditions and performances in other jurisdictions will be announced as details become available.

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News release issued at 1:37 pm, April 21, 2008.