‘So You Think You Can RISE?’ Showcases Puerto Vallarta Talent
Puerto Vallarta is buzzing with excitement as the So You Think You Can RISE? competition continues, offering talented performers a chance to shine while supporting a great cause. This one-of-a-kind talent show is not just an opportunity to launch entertainment careers but also a vital fundraiser for the RISE Children’s Shelter, which provides safety, education, and care for vulnerable children in Puerto Vallarta.
The competition invites individuals, duos, trios, and groups to showcase their talents in singing, dancing, comedy, acrobatics, and more. Contestants selected for the live auditions gain invaluable guidance from Puerto Vallarta’s top performance coaches, preparing them for a chance to perform before hundreds of enthusiastic audience members at Coco Cabaret. The first live audition took place on Sunday, January 12 at the fabulous new Coco Cabaret, hosted by Prescott Seymour (Sutton Lee Seymour), who currently performs at The Palm Cabaret & Bar in Witch, Please. The second live audition is set to follow on Sunday, January 19 at 2:00 PM and is hosted by Richard Lucas (Gouda Gabor), who stars in Gouda Gabor’s Come Blow Your Horn and Hello Gorgeous (Celebrating the Music of Barbra Streisand) at Nacho Daddy. The competition will culminate in a thrilling Grand Finale on February 23 at Teatro Vallarta.
Lisa Manoogian and her husband Billy act as Producers of So You Think You Can RISE? and Operations and Fundraising Managers of RISE. Lisa explained the rigorous selection process: “We received a total of 40 video auditions, starting in September and continuing through December 15. A dedicated committee carefully reviewed and ranked them, ultimately inviting the top eight acts in each category—vocal and variety—to perform live at Coco Cabaret.”
In total, 16 acts compete over two days of live auditions, with four winners from each category advancing to the Grand Finale. The first set of finalists from the January 12 competition included Warren Wesley Weir, Jason Mathis, Vizente Cañas, and Mitch Kushner—all talented vocalists who wowed the audience and judges alike. The live shows feature an exciting twist: contestants select their coach from among esteemed local mentors Luis Villanueva, Roy Cruz, Maru Prado Conti, and Kevin Anthony, while the audience votes for their favorites to determine the top contenders.
The stakes will be high on February 23 at Teatro Vallarta, where the eight finalists will battle it out to become Puerto Vallarta’s next superstars. Winners in each category will receive cash prizes of up to $20,000 MXN and the opportunity to perform at premier venues such as The Palm, Nacho Daddy, La Catrina Cantina, and Act2PV Theater. These performances could mark the start of incredible careers for emerging talent.
While So You Think You Can RISE? is a celebration of talent and entertainment, it also serves a critical mission: supporting the RISE Children’s Shelter. Lisa Manoogian emphasized its importance: “This competition is one of our most significant fundraising events, directly benefiting RISE operations, which cost $3.5 million pesos annually. Last year, we raised 50% of our financial needs through events like this.”
Funds raised from ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations provide essential resources such as meals, medical care, education, and a safe, loving environment for children. Beyond financial support, the event raises community awareness about RISE’s work and builds lasting relationships with sponsors, performers, and venues. Generous contributions from local businesses, including Los Muertos Brewing, LIX Ice Cream, and Coco Cabaret, exemplify how the Vallarta community rallies behind this cause.
“This competition is not just about entertainment,” Lisa added. “It’s about creating real, lasting change for the children we serve. Every ticket purchased and every cheer from the audience contributes to brighter futures for them.”
The success of So You Think You Can RISE? would not be possible without the unwavering support of local venues and sponsors. From providing free spaces for auditions and workshops to organizing additional fundraisers, Vallarta’s entertainment community has shown incredible generosity. Highlights include Coco Cabaret hosting live auditions at no charge, Nacho Daddy providing rehearsal space for performers, and Collectivo Hueco organizing events like a haunted house to raise funds.
Moreover, the participation of seasoned performers like Prescott Seymour and Richard Lucas as hosts elevates the live shows, infusing them with professionalism and flair. Their ongoing performances at The Palm Cabaret & Bar and Nacho Daddy not only entertain but also demonstrate the vibrant cultural scene Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
With its vibrant mix of talented performers, passionate coaches, and engaged audiences, So You Think You Can RISE? is not only an electrifying showcase of entertainment but also a beacon of hope for Puerto Vallarta’s most vulnerable children. The second live audition on January 19 at 2:00 PM promises to deliver even more excitement, and the Grand Finale on February 23 at 7:00 PM will be an unforgettable evening blending star-making performances with heartfelt community spirit.
Don’t miss your chance to support this incredible cause and witness the rise of Puerto Vallarta’s next generation of superstars!
Additional photos provided by David Jay.