Camryn Malo is 12 years old. Elsha Tiemersma is 14 years old.
Both are seasoned vocalists and musical theatre performers.
Later this month, both will be representing Barrie at the 2018 CNE Rising Star Competition in Toronto.
They are set to compete on the stage that has showcased and promoted undiscovered talent for over 30 years.
Both girls submitted audition videos and out of hundreds of offerings from young performers all over Canada were chosen to compete.
Malo says she's been singing for as long as she can remember.
"Five years ago I began taking voice lessons at Barrie's Melody and Me Studio," she said. "That lead me to enrol in some competitions like the Barrie Music Festival and I competed in the Ontario Music Festival. Elsha and I have the same vocal coach (Margo Hamilton) and often do duets."
While Malo loves all kinds of music, she has chosen a challenging piece for the contest.
"I am doing the song Popular from the play Wicked," said Malo. "It's probably the most fun song in the play and its challenging because I usually sing ballads but this is more of an acting challenge."
Tiemersma has been singing for about nine years.
"I just enjoy singing and for me its a stress reliever. I suffer from high anxiety and stress but when I am on stage singing I am happy."
She has chosen the haunting Leonard Cohen song Hallellujah for her solo.
"It was challenging to sing at first, but I've been doing it for about a year so I am comfortable with it now."
Both girls agree they are more excited than nervous for the opportunity. They both agree the judge's feedback is very important and helpful as is the exposure on a big stage.
Malo sings Aug. 18 and Tiemersma performs Aug. 22 in separate age categories at the Canadian National Exhibition.
If you would like to see the girls in action Malo and Tiemersma can both be seen in November in the Kempenfelt Community Players' Aladdin and the Melody and Me production of Into the Woods next March.
Both presentations will be at the Georgian College Theatre.
