For Immediate Release
October 10, 2005
John E. Profant Foundation For The Arts
Contact: Marie Profant
(805) 705-9179

Profant Foundation Continues Patronage of the Arts with Talent Search
by Norm Loukes

Dancers, singers, comedians, musicians and actors of all ages are encouraged to share their
talents as the John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts produces the "Be a Star" Talent Search on
Saturday, November 5th.

The Talent Search Auditions will take place at the Fe Bland Theater on the SBCC campus. With
City College film, theater, and Media Arts departments contributing their skills in producing the
show, and prizes and exposure to industry professionals available, the event promises to be an
exciting and productive collaboration.

Actress and Committee Chair Joyce Shaar, and Producer Rich Hoag, who are leading the
campaign, explained that everyone knows a performer. "Sign up yourself, child, grandchild,
neighbor, and everyone wins. Your entry with a donation of $100 benefits Santa Barbara City
College arts students." Sponsors can help any performer by funding this donation, and one of the
privileges of sponsorship is an invitation to the audition.

"We are delighted that the John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts has made our students the
beneficiaries of its upcoming Talent Search fundraiser," said John Romo, President of Santa
Barbara City College. "John's brother, Robert Profant, was a faculty member at SBCC for nearly
four decades and a major contributor in molding the college into the highly regarded institution
and community that it is today. The collaboration between the Profant Foundation and SBCC
carries on the legacy of these two inspirational men who cared deeply about students and the
arts."

The Profant Foundation is known for its support of artists pursuing all forms of creative
endeavors. Earlier this year, the non-profit organization raised thousands of dollars at the "Fiesta
Finale" event, which featured the talents of many professional dancers and musicians - free for
the public. Proceeds from the Fiesta Finale Gala & Auction provided scholarships to burgeoning
performers, visual artists, and writers. Meg Barbour, an SBCC graduate, former recipient of a
Profant Foundation scholarship, and professional film editor, believes the Talent Search will
follow in the success of the organization's earlier events: "The Talent Search" gives students the
opportunity to film, edit, and produce segments for a real, hour-long television show. Students
can add this work to their own film reel - a necessity when applying for work in the film industry."
The grand prize for the talent search includes $500 dollars and referrals to mentors or agents.
Digital copies of performances will be available to all participants, and many performances will be
featured on local television.

"The donations will fund the Bob Profant Award for City College," said John Romo, "The
scholarships provided by the Talent Search proceeds will make a big difference to students who
might not otherwise be able to pursue their dreams of studying in the fields of music, film, theater,
and the visual arts."

The entry deadline for the Talent Search is Saturday, October 29. More information is available
on the web at www.profant.org.

Some of the distinguished panel of judges include:

Music/Vocal: Dr. Mary Collier, Mark DeAnda, Marilyn Gilbert, David Potter, Nathan Rundlett, Bob and Roby Scott, Jack Ullom

Dance: David Alvarez, Robert Boyd, Steven Lovelace, Susan Manchak, Julie McLeod, Denice Rinaldi, Diana Vandervoort

Theatrical: Barbie Burgess, Sara Miller McCune, Arlene Larsen, Milt Larsen, Maria Lane Ross, Joyce Shaar, Dr. Larry Williams

SBCC Representatives include : Kay Bruce - Public Relations, Anna Lafferty - Media Arts Dept,
Katie Laris - Theater Dept, Michael Stinson - Film Dept, and Student Tammi Clenard - Poster
Design

Profant Foundation Talent Search: Joyce Shaar - Chair, Rich Hoag - Producer and the
committee: Barbara Anderson - Event Management, Eliane Alexandre - Talent Scout, Barbie
Burgess - Event Planning, Mary Garton - Administration, Dana Hansen - Public Relations,
Laurance Lowenschuss - Creative Consultant, Kate Loukes - Event Planning, Norm Loukes -
Writer/Filmmaker, Gloria Montano - Media, Valerie O'Connor - Event Planning, Dor Stamphi -
Audition Coordinator