Dream Builders: Teen Talent Follies at Miss Persis Studio
By Ryan Hunt
Posted on July 14, 2016, July 14, 2016

''Dream Builders'' is a show on MyArlingtonTV that highlights the ways our community is helping kids dream big, nurture their creativity, polish their skills and develop the tools they need to achieve their American Dream as young adults.

The latest episode features a behind-the-scenes look at the Teen Talent Follies auditions at Miss Persis Studio in Downtown Arlington.

The annual event features students in grades 7-12 from throughout Tarrant County who compete to win $2,500 in scholarships.

Miss Persis Studio first opened back in 1954 in a three-story house by the First United Methodist Church. Today, the studio in Downtown Arlington is a dance and performance institution operated by Persis Forster and her daughter, Persis Ann.

Several Arlington students have turned their performance experiences in the Teen Talent Follies into major success, including the Grammy-winning a capella sensation Pentatonix. The members of the group are Avi Kaplan, Scott Hoying, Kirstie Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, and Kevin Olusola. Hoying, Grassi and Maldonado are all Martin High School graduates.

Singer/songwriter Dylan Chambers and country music artist Tim Rushlow also participated in the Teen Talent Follies.

Residents can also check out Persis Forster''s American Dream story, where she talks to us about inspiring so many young students throughout the years to pursue their dreams on the stage.

The City''s Office of Communication develops programming for MyArlingtonTV. Viewers can find MyArlingtonTV programs on the following cable systems: Time Warner Channel 16 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99, and streaming capabilities at www.arlington-tx.gov.

All episodes are also available on the City''s YouTube channel, Facebook page and Twitter account.

MyArlingtonTV Links:

Dream Builders, MyArlingtonTV, Theatre Arlington, Downtown Arlington
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