32nd Young Artists Debut! – Apply for the 2026 cycle by 1/16/2026

Age restrictions: Artists ages 8 to 18

Location: Portland-Metro Area

We are seeking ensembles of two or more including, but not limited to: musicians, dancers, actors, singers, and poets. (Note: Artists may apply in multiple categories with full applications and applicable fees!)

Ideal ensembles possess:

• Extraordinary talent, creativity, and skill.

• The temperament, comfort, ability, and desire to speak publicly, have your work showcased publicly, and collaborate with other artists and mentors.

• Flexibility and enthusiasm to participate in this fun and educational program.

• The commitment to fulfill program requirements and timelines.

If your ensemble is selected and fulfill all program requirements, you will:

• Earn the prestigious honor of becoming a Young Artists Debut! Winner and receive an honorarium.

• Be eligible to be the recipient of the Zorro Award and receive $1,000 to further artistic pursuits! Only one artist will be the Zorro recipient.

• Participate in arts-centric educational mentoring sessions with YAD! judges and brainstorming sessions with other winning artists to create an exceptional immersive program.

• Obtain professional artistic guidance to sharpen your portfolio, a professional head shot, the opportunity to collaborate with a community of artists, exposure, and access to professional photos and/or videos of your work as a participant in the Young Artists Debut! at The Reser.

All who apply:

• Receive feedback on their application from YAD! judges.

• The opportunity to apply to earn volunteer hours or Intern with Cognizart.

• Gain priority access to Cognizart programs including 360 Arts Camp and The Arts Backstage.

We encourage all young artists to apply and be a part of the Cognizart Community and to be able to participate in many activities and events!

REQUIRED:

• Each each winner will be responsible for selling and filling at least 20 seats in the audience at the Young Artists Debut! on April 24, 2026. This is a requirement as professional artists must promote their shows and performances. Art is 40% creation and 60% getting other people to see it. The Reser provides a sales report once a week we will provide to winners to ensure they remain on target. Please note: It is important to not only sell tickets, but also fill tickets as The Reser provides a report showing which are scanned at the YAD!. There is a special prize for the top ticket seller and filler!

• Cognizart Staff and YAD! mentors will be in communication with you (or your parents) via text and email. Please respond promptly.

•  You will be asked to record promotional videos, testimonials, progress updates, etc. which will be posted on social media, e-blasts, YouTube, and the website. Enthusiastic participation is required.

• If your parents allow social media, you must Like and Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook so that we can tag you @cognizartbymetroartsinc. We encourage reposting content that directly benefits you and the Young Artists Debut!

•  Be respectful and engaged or you will be removed from the program.

• Winners must promote their participation in the Young Artists Debut! program.

• Winners must attend weekly Zoom meetings from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays.

• AVAILABILITY FOR IN-PERSON EVENTS:

  • Photo shoot: Friday, January 30, 2026, Studio in NE Portland

  • Young Artists Debut! Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. rehearsal at The Reser

  • Young Artists Debut! Friday, April 24, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Reser. Includes dress rehearsal through performance. (You will need to take the day off school.)

  • Up to six other floating dates between February 1, 2026, and Friday, April 24, 2026. 

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on January 16, 2026. All steps MUST be completed for consideration:

Complete and submit the application form below and pay the nonrefundable $75 application below. (If you are under 18, you must have your parent or guardian complete the form with you and sign accordingly.) (NOTE: We are offering 50-100% application fee if your family receives SNAP or WIC benefits. Email determination letter to shannon@cognizart.org.) 

Your Introduction and YouTube Performance Link:*

• Your Introduction: Introduce yourself, state your name, age, and how long you have worked on your craft. Add any information about what makes you uniquely you. This can be done separately from your performance and be spliced together with your performance.

• Your YouTube Performance Link: The performance must be done in one take. The piece must be 3 to 10 minutes in length. Please keep in mind that your performance piece must be in public domain or an original piece to be recorded at the Young Artists Debut!

• Paste the performance link in the appropriate field below.

  
  

Artists will be notified of their standing in the competition one week after the application deadline. All who apply are considered a part of the Cognizart Community and will be invited to attend Young Artists Debut! events. We appreciate you!

Questions?  Text (503) 482-9322