Merriweather Teens

Upcoming: Auditions for the first ever Teen Student Showcase!

Showcase your talent on the Merriweather stage!

Are you a Howard County teen with a cool talent? Whether it’s singing, dancing, drumming, beatboxing, spoken word, magic tricks, or something else completely unique, this is your chance to shine! Register now to audition for our Merriweather Teens Student Showcase, taking place on Saturday, July 12th from 5 - 9 PM!

Audition and Showcase Requirements

Eligibility:

  • Open to teenagers who will reach the age of 14 before the date of the FINAL PERFORMANCE or showcase.

  • Participants must attend a school or reside within Howard County.

  • This is a performing arts showcase. All talent is welcome.

  • Performances should be kept between 5-7 minutes.

  • Group performances are welcome, as long as 5 or fewer members are participating.

Submissions:

  • Applications are FREE, and you can submit now at our Google form! Submissions close June 10th at 11:59pm.

  • Submissions require a link to a video recording of the contestant. Videos should be no longer than 2 minutes.

  • Applications and videos will be presented to the Merriweather Teens Showcase Committee for review and selection. Contestants should hear from the Committee by mid-June.

  • Rehearsal schedules will be sent to Finalists after being accepted into the showcase.

Awards:

  • First Place Junior Winners (14-16 yrs) and First place Senior Winners (17-19 yrs) will receive a trophy and a $15 gift card.

  • All contestants will receive a showcase participation certificate.

  • Showcase winners will be chosen by the audience via digital submission.

Code of Conduct:

  • Absolutely NO explicit content or inappropriate material allowed.

  • All participants are expected to be respectful, encouraging, and uplifting to each other.

  • Punctuality is always of utmost importance.

Email teens@merriweatherarts.org with any questions!

Are you a Howard County teen, aged 13-19, eager to make a positive impact on your community? Join our Teen Council and play a pivotal role in shaping unforgettable events and a safe space for your peers at Merriweather Post Pavilion! Teen Council Meetings are held at Merriweather and via Zoom.

You can take advantage of an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Howard County teens. Together, we'll create events that inspire, entertain, and foster a sense of community. Apply today and be a part of something truly special! Email us at teens@merriweatherarts.org for info or questions, or just fill out this online form!

The Merriweather Teen Council receives much-needed financial support via a grant from the FY25 Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) initiative through Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. We are deeply grateful for Howard County’s commitment to serving and supporting young people through enriching and meaningful programs.

What is Merriweather Teen Programming?

Merriweather Teens is a vibrant program within the Merriweather Arts and Culture Center dedicated to providing a fun and secure environment for teenagers to unwind and connect. Our mission is to create a space where teens can freely express themselves through the arts, engage in exciting activities, and build lasting connections with their peers.

Throughout the year, we're set to host a diverse array of events that promise unforgettable experiences. They are thoughtfully curated by our dedicated Teen Council, who ensure that gatherings reflect the interests and passions of our Howard County teen community.

Expect a blend of fun-filled activities, access to valuable community resources, and plenty of opportunities to simply relax and socialize. We strive to offer an inclusive space where teens can explore, create, and grow together.

What benefits will I receive?

We are committed to providing leadership and civic engagement opportunities for teen council members by involving them in hands-on planning, event execution, and day-of activities. Through these experiences, members gain valuable skills, build confidence, and strengthen their commitment to community leadership. Membership offers numerous benefits, including:

Community Leadership Experience: Learn to lead initiatives and make a lasting impact.

Event Planning Skills: Gain real-world experience in organizing events from concept to completion.

Volunteering Opportunities: Serve your community while fostering teamwork and service-minded values.

Service Learning Hours: Earn service learning hours while contributing positively to local projects.

Collaboration & Communication Skills: Build interpersonal skills through teamwork and shared experiences.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with community leaders and peers who share your passion for service.

What are the requirements to join?

Be a resident of Howard County aged 13 to 19.

Have a genuine interest in event planning, and a desire to create engaging and memorable experiences for fellow teens in Howard County.

Be available for scheduled council meetings, where we'll brainstorm, collaborate, and refine ideas to ensure the success of our events.

Engage in council activities, sharing your ideas, insights, and energy to help bring our collective vision to life.

Demonstrate respect for fellow council members, embracing a spirit of teamwork and open communication, and value the opinions and contributions of others.

Email us at teens@merriweatherarts.org for info or questions, or just fill out this online form!

What is the Merriweather Teen Council?