Queens Creek Local Illusionist Makes U.S. Performing Arts Team

Illusionist Chad Harless vies to become the next world star at the 15th annual World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, CA.
By: Lisa Bianconi
 
July 19, 2011 - PRLog -- I learned at a very young age that I love to entertain people. Right out of high school, I had a chance meeting with a manager that resulted in the opportunity to be the opening act for a hypnotist. The manager, hypnotist, and I traveled for a year before a combo show was developed that included illusions, hypnosis and comedy magic. We toured the U.S. and areas of Canada with that show for the next nine years. Unfortunately, my "dream job" had become a nightmare so I decided to leave the show. The hypnotist and I separated from our manager and went into business for our selves. My challenges, unfortunately, did not stop there. The hypnotist ultimately proved himself untrustworthy, ending our business relationship and taking all the props and illusions I had built for the show. I lost everything and I had no recourse. I was defeated. I lost faith in myself, in the possibility of ever being successful in the entertainment industry, and to some degree people in general. I didn't know what to do. I had limited options. I didn't go to college. I ended up in construction for the next three years, learning electrical, AC/DC power and welding. I was not happ, I wasn't going anywhere and I wasn't doing something I love or even liked. I had to make some changes.

I was going to find a way to entertain people, even if I had to stand out on the corner to perform. I soon after saw an ad online inviting the public to "audition with a Hollywood Agent." I had never done something like that. I wanted to do it but before the audition date I had talked myself out of going. I wasn't so sure I had something they would want to see. I called my girlfriend and I said "if you go with me, I'll go to the audition." She agreed and when we arrived the following morning, there were already hundreds of people in line and again I thought of not auditioning but something said to stay. I knew I was not going to be selected to join Team USA. I was determined, however, to get experience in the audition and try out next year. To my absolute shock, I was invited to join Team USA. After all I had been through to this point, could this be real? It was! What a remarkable opportunity! I am now here. I am competing against so many amazing and talented people from around the world. I feel very honored to have this opportunity. Miracles, large and small, have been present every step of the way here. I have dedicated the last nine months to preparing material and building my illusions. It's my time. I am ready to entertain. I am prepared to win. I will succeed. I am truly excited for the future.

Talent from more than 40 countries will participate in the 15th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts, July 17 through July 22, 2011 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Think "American Idol," "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance" on a global scale. Cited as the official "Talent Olympics," the World Championships of Performing Arts celebrates its 15th anniversary this summer as the only international event of its kind held annually. Dancers, singers, models, actors, instrumentalists, and variety artists from more than 40 countries compete for the "gold" and $130,000 in scholarships. Over 100 entertainment industry experts (i.e. agents, managers, producers, casting directors, instructors, and music industry reps) are invited to judge, conduct seminars and cast.  Through a week of elimination rounds, 3,000 acts are narrowed down to the "best of the best" who then compete for the coveted top world champion crowns.

The competition week commences with the Opening Ceremonies Parade and free public performance at the Nokia Center, Sunday, July 17, from 9:00am - 10:00am.  The colorful parade culminates with the best performers from around the world giving Los Angeles a sneak peek of the amazing international talent that will be participating in this year's event.

The week of talent competition culminates with the Finals event, when 'the best of the best performers' vie for top world championship crowns and $130,000 in scholarships, Friday, July 22, 7:00pm - 10:00pm, in the California Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel.

A live, global webcast of the event will be available at www.wcopa.com
July 22 at 7:00pm PST.

Westin Bonaventure Hotel  |  404 S. Figueroa Street  |  Los Angeles, 90071

About World Championships of Performing Arts:
The objective is the annual production of the finest national, regional and international competitions for exceptional, aspiring performing artists!  This prestigious global meet is for dedicated performers and entertainers who want to train and learn, compare their talent to others and network.  This is an innovative contest with persons from the entertainment industry invited to judge and conduct seminars. For more information, log onto http://www.wcopa.com

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About World Championships of Performing Arts:
The objective is the annual production of the finest national, regional and international competitions for exceptional, aspiring performing artists! This prestigious global meet is for dedicated performers and entertainers who want to train and learn, compare their talent to others and network. This is an innovative contest with persons from the entertainment industry invited to judge and conduct seminars. For more information, log ontohttp://www.wcopa.com
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Source:Lisa Bianconi
Email:***@nohoartsdistrict.com Email Verified
Tags:Talent Competition, World Championships Of Performing Arts, Dance, Vocals, Modeling, Acting
Industry:Arts, Music
Location:Phoenix - Arizona - United States
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