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Former Tops in Blue cast member says hard work doesn't end at auditions

  • Published
  • By Lorin Smith
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Former Tops in Blue member Katie Badowski has some much-needed advice for those thinking about trying out for the 2012 team -- research the competition and be prepared to work hard.

A Reservist with the 446th Force Support Squadron at McChord Field, Badowski would know, as it took her 10 years before getting the call to spend a year traveling around the world and performing for the entire Air Force.

"Take a look at what you are doing in your life now, and think about what it means to be on tour for a year," Badowski said. "It was an awesome experience, a tremendous opportunity and I loved what I did."

The Air Force's premier expeditionary entertainment group, Tops in Blue, is seeking the "best of the best" talent in the Air Force for the 2012 team.

The Air Force Worldwide Talent Search takes place at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 9 to 16, 2012. Total force Airmen who believe they have the skills to sing, dance, act or play musical instruments are encouraged to apply. After an in-depth review of applications, the top 80 to 100 Airmen are invited to participate in the competition.

Selected participants compete in six categories including male and female vocalist, instrumentalist, dance, musical variety and non-musical variety. The first place winner in each category receives the coveted "Roger" trophy and the second place winner receives the "Wilco" trophy.

Participants also go through a series of interviews and auditions to determine their suitability for a spot on the upcoming Tops in Blue team.

"During the week they are taken through a variety of auditions, many unrelated to their actual competition act," said Carol Sudy, an Air Force Services Agency marketing specialist. "This helps them learn what they excel at, and where they have to improve to be a well-rounded performer."

According to Sudy, becoming a member of Tops in Blue brings tremendous value to an Airman's life.

"They have a better understanding of the scope and breadth of the Air Force, learn skills they will use when they return to their units or on contingency operations and they see and appreciate all the sacrifices made by Families and Air Force members," she said. "When they return to their unit, their commander receives a more versatile and skilled Airman and leader."

Apply online at www.topsinblue.com or mail an application and video to the Air Force Entertainment office by Nov. 15.

Besides performers, Tops in Blue is looking for technicians in the performing arts, such as audio, lighting, staging and videography. Big rig truck and bus drivers are also encouraged to submit their non-performer application for consideration to attend the Worldwide Talent Search and a place on the 2012 Tops in Blue tour.

Badowski, a technical sergeant, is volunteering to mentor any McChord Airman looking for advice in making it through the competition. For more information, e-mail her at badowskk@gmail.com.

For more information and a schedule of upcoming performances, visit www.topsinblue.com. Follow the group on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aftopsinblue, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/topsinblue or visit their blog at http://tib.dodlive.mil.

The 2011 Tops in Blue review will be held Nov. 8 in Hangar 9 at McChord Field.