The 3rd annual Young Talent Big Dreams talent competition opened last weekend with audition rounds at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center on Saturday and at host venue, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, in Coral Gables.

This sixth-month endeavor, cosponsored by Actors’ Playhouse and The Children’s Trust, taps the Miami-Dade region for the most talented kids, ages 8-17, who compete before celebrity arts judges in voice, band, dance, spoken word, solo and group instrument.

Sunday’s turnout in the Gables drew a full slate of young hopefuls who sang hits by Adele and Katy Perry, performed hip-hop dance and ballet, and offered some moving spoken word and raps on family struggle.

The auditions, held at various venues, culminate in the finals in April at Actors’ Playhouse. About 16 children advanced to the next round from Sunday’s session. Miami Herald music critic Howard Cohen was one of the judges on Sunday.