The journey to fame for talented young people from Durban is about to begin! Hirsch’s search for the Rising Star of 2013 has begun, and youngsters are invited to showcase their talent at first round auditions, which will take place at Hirsch’s Hillcrest on the 16th of February, Hirsch’s Springfield Park on the 17th of February and Hirsch’s Umhlanga on the 23rd of February. All auditions will run from 11am until 2pm on the respective dates. The contest is open to children from the ages 6 – 17, and is broken up into three age groups: 6-9 years-olds, 10 -14 year olds and 15 – 17 year olds. The three categories on the offer include singing, dancing and acting, and entrants should bring their own backing tracks if required. Future stars who make it through the initial rounds will attend a call back audition on the 2nd of March at Hirsch’s in Hillcrest. The top 20 finalists from this round will attend a one-day performance workshop run by the Rising Star Academy. The grand finale will take place in Hillcrest at 7pm on the 9th of March. Last year’s winner Nicole von Tonder, as well as runner-up Kiara Theunissen will perform at the finale. Prizes up for grabs include Hirsch’s Vouchers, a recording contract and a 1 year bursary from the Rising Star Academy as well as awesome prizes sponsored by SONY.