WATERBURY— As an antidote to student boredom during the coronavirus outbreak, the Palace Theater in Waterbury and sponsor, The Next Street Driving Schools, are collaborating to host a virtual talent showcase and inviting Connecticut students to submit videos of themselves or in a group performing.

Here are the specifics for interested students:

*Students need to record themselves singing, dancing or playing an instrument that will be shared on the Palace’s Instagram page (@palace_theater).

*Talent showcase is limited to performance based — singing, dancing, acting, comedy.

*Students must be a Connecticut resident or student to participate (college and below).

*The window for submissions runs through April 30.

*The Palace will continue to post videos through May before announcing a winner, and may extend the deadline for video submissions if more people want to enter and quarantine continues.

To date, Palace has received 24 submissions, ages ranging from 7 to 19. Towns represented to date include Waterbury, Watertown, Oxford, Meriden, Wallingford, Shelton, New Haven, Hartford, Milford, Bethlehem, and Winsted.

Several COVID-based song parodies, Broadway musical covers, as well as covers of hit songs have been submitted.

The winner will largely be determined by each post’s Instagram engagement. To enhance their chances of winning students should Like & Share their posts to get out the word and earn more votes.

The Palace will share weekly rundowns of the videos on Facebook, and the winner will receive a Palace prize pack.

To submit your video, DM the video to @palace_theater or send a dropbox link to kimmey@palacetheaterct.org.

About the Palace Theater

The Palace’s primary purpose is to revitalize the Greater Waterbury community through the presentation of the performing arts and educational initiatives in collaboration with area cultural and educational institutions. Its mission is to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences.

For more information visit www.palacetheaterct.org.