Royce Martin, sophomore, thought it would just be an opportunity at the Fabulous Fox Theater. However, Martin was the 2016 1st place winner of the Teen Talent Competition, which included a $7,000 scholarship to Lindenwood University underwritten by Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust. Martin, in addition to this, won the “Voss Family Originality Award” for $1,500, the “Terry Lynford Classical Music Award” for $1,500, and “Audience Choice Award” for $1,000.  

The Teen Talent Competition fosters emerging talent in the St. Louis performing arts community. The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation underwrites and produces an adjudicated competition presenting young talent. Tony Parise is one of the St. Louis Teen Talent judges that appeared on Fox 2 News with Martin.  

“Before I even decided if I was going to win or not, or before I was even thinking about it as a competition, I just thought it was an opportunity to perform at the Fox. I did, so that was good,” Martin explained.

Martin expressed how he felt to be on stage, instead of in the audience.

“I watch a lot of classical concert pianists, and I see them performing at big venues almost  like the Fox. So when I was performing at the Fox, and I looked out into the crowd, it’s kinda like I’m watching from the other side instead of looking at my phone, and they’re [audience] looking at me like that,” said Martin.