Showcasing Artistically Gifted & Talented
​Youth from Across the State!

Applications are now available!

Who is Eligible?
The programs will feature students between the ages of 9 through 18 years of age who are not full-time college students who are residents of the Southeast US. Students who are gifted visual artists, actors, dancers, creative writers, solo musicians (instrumental and vocal), and ensemble groups, of no more than 12 members, may apply. Students who have already performed with Rising Stars will not automatically be accepted for another year of performance.

How Can I Apply?
Complete the online application form that applies to your arts area. Each solo/ensemble and arts area has a different application form. 
Applicable Art Forms:
  • Visual Arts
  • Music Performance (Vocal and Instrumental)
  • Dance Performance
  • Theatrical Performance (Dramatic and Comedic)

There is a fee of $35 per application. However, thanks to amazing sponsors, waivers are available for students who are eligible. Contact [email protected] for further information.
For more than 16 years, RISING STARS has been recognized and embraced in South Carolina for highlighting Artistically Gifted and Talented students across the state. Originally created by arts educator and administrator Larry Barnfield, RISING STARS assembles a cast of students from a variety of classical arts disciplines for a showcase of talent. Students not only have an opportunity to share their artistic talents with a real audience, but are also invited to chat with the host to share their thoughts in creating the art they just shared on stage.  A series of six programs, each program will feature 6 young artists and/or ensembles in a conversation and performance format.

This year, Rising Stars performances will take place at one of SC's most high profile performance opportunities that recognize exceptional artistic talent. The programs will be presented in Charleston during the 2025 Spoleto USA/Piccolo Spoleto Festival on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day weekend), Saturday, May 31, and Saturday, June 7. 

New this year, students accepted to the Rising Stars program will be paired with a mentor who is a professional artist in their field. Students will have the opportunity to learn from our mentors on how to succeed in artistic practice through college and career opportunities.

This year's performances are with the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and will be at our favorite venue, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, just off of Marion Square in downtown Charleston!

Support Gifted & Talented Students through the Rising Stars program!

Interested in learning more about how you can support amazing young artists? Email PSAE's Executive Director for information on program sponsorship opportunities!
Many thanks to our 2024 Donors and Partners!!

Larry Barnfield, Creator & Host
Fox Music House
City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
Francis E. Anderson
William O Boggan
Richard & Carolyn Trammell
​Diane G. Hoffman

2023 Rising Stars Piccolo Spoleto Performers

Monday, May 29, 2023                11:00 AM
Featuring the talents of....

Henry Sun (Piano)
Breyawna Seabrook (Fashion Design)
Greyson Aldredge (Saxophone)
Caroline Rush (Dance)
Mary Swaim (Cello)
Michelangelo Funfrock (Piano)

Monday, May 29, 2023                    3:00 PM
Featuring the talents of....

Lauren Marberry (Violin)
Sage Wren (Vocal)
Delaney Parker (Dance)
Andrew Ning (Piano)
Ari Floyd (Classical Guitar)
Kendall Montgomery (Percussion)
Steven Humphries (Violin)

Saturday, June 3, 2023                     1:00 PM
Featuring the talents of...

Lauren Ji (Violin)
Alexandria Picciano (Visual Art)
Luciano Chen (Classical Guitar)
Savannah Bordine (Visual Art)
Alexia Liu (Piano)
The Thalia Quartet (Strings)
        Margie Moore.               Christian Curron
        Lydia Plante.                  Adam Kremer

Saturday, June 3, 2023                     4:00 PM
Featuring the talents of...

Benjamin Stickley (Piano)
Sanjana Gangaraju (Violin)
Alexia Liu (Creative Writing)
Molly Millwood (Dance)
The Fighting Gnomes (Improv Theatre)
        Alecia Jenkins.                   Gavin Lahmon       
        Morgan Schatmeyer         Teagan Allen
        RJ Jenkins                          Ramir Kelly
        Law Foxb                             Reilly Dukes
        Jesse Price                         Sully Eppes

Saturday, June 10, 2023                11:00 AM
Featuring the talents of...

Myles Thompson (Visual Art)
Faith Bulford (Dance)
Amara Listar (Visual Art)
Evey Carpenter (Flute)
Sophie Melchor (Violin)

​

Saturday, June 10, 2023                3:00 PM
Featuring the talents of...

Dorrell Howard (Visual Art)
Silas Moody-Laird (Dance)
Karis King (Visual Art)
Ashwin Ashok (Guitar)
Grace Peters (Visual Art)
Rachel Thompson (Piano)

Special Thanks to our incredible partners and donors in helping make this year's Rising Stars a success!

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
Fox Music House
City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs
Larry Barnfield, Creator & Host
Francis E. Anderson
Carolyn and Dick Trammel
John Burkel