Young performers from all over the state stepped up to the Higher Ground stage this month. They were vying for a spot in the first-ever Kids VT Spectacular Spectacular, a talent show for Vermont’s rising stars — and they sure did impress! More than 50 kids sang, danced, played instruments, performed comedy sketches and generally poured their hearts out before three discerning judges. Before they left, photographer Matthew Thorsen snapped headshots of the all the kids who auditioned.

The big show is Saturday, December 13, at Higher Ground in South Burlington. Doors open at noon; the show’s at 12:30 p.m.

Choosing just 16 acts to perform at the big show was tough. But we did it! Here's who made the cut:




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• Mariah Larson, 11, Burlington
  Micah Rossman, 9, Burlington
  Seth Rossman, 11, Burlington
  Abigail Perlah-Hard, 11, Burlington
  Samuel Perlah-Hard, 7, Burlington 
  
  
• Brody McGuire, 8, Vergennes
  Carter McGuire, 6, Vergennes 
  
  
  
• Ella Grace Holter, 12, Warren 
  
  
  
• Lily Roberts, 10, Monkton
  

  • Zanevia Wilcox
  
  
  
  
• Zani Lewis, 11, Burlington 
  
  
  
• Hannah Leslie, 13, Berlin
  Mackenzie Bilbrey, 12, Northfield
  Alyssa Atwood, 13, Northfield
  Bethany Atwood, 11, Northfield
  
  
  
  
• Anessa Conner, 11, Burlington
  Catie Macauley, 11, Charlotte 
  
  
  
• Emeri Rasco, 6, Westford
  Jenelle Hardy, 11, Georgia
  Stella Rabtoy, 6, Westford
  Colton Hardy, 7, Georgia 
  
  

• Fiona Stowell, 8, Warren
  Emmett Stowell, 5, Warren
  
  
  
• Mykenzie Rey Duffy, 10, Vergennes 
  
  
  
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  • Emeri Rosco, Jenelle Hardy, Stella Rabtoy and Colton Hardy
  Skylar Clarke, 11, Burlington
  Ariel Felcan, 11, Burlington
  Nora Jacobsen, 11, Burlington
  Claire Osmond, 11, Burlington
  
  
• Audrey Pearl, 13, Jericho 
  
  
  
• Zanevia Wilcox,13, Burlington
  
  
  
• Chasey Knight, 10, Burlington 
  
  

• Benjamin Weinstein, 12, Richmond
  
  

• Kaitlyn Ducharme, 13, Burlington 
  

Tickets for the Spectacular Spectacular — which will also feature performances from Regal Gymnastics, The McFadden Academy of Irish Dance, Urban Dance Complex and Very Merry Theatre — are available on the Higher Ground website. You don't want to miss this show!