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Amateur Night at the Apollo by Jennifer Warren The Apollo Theater is truly one of New York City's most distinctive landmarks.  Photographer Jennifer Warren recently visited to document the legendary Amateur Night at the Apollo with her Canon EOS 20D. Article rating: 8.63

Since 1934, the Apollo Theater has been a place for amateur talent to prove themselves in front of a tough crowd. Every Wednesday night in Harlem, the public determines the fate of these aspiring performers. If you can survive Amateur Night and the Apollo Audience, you can survive show business... Those who succeed move on to join the ranks of artists like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder. Those who fail face humiliation from a jeering audience. If a determined contestant refuses to leave the stage, a siren wails and the Apollo's Executioner taps them off-stage to cheers and exploding laughter from the crowd.

Staff prepare for audience members to enter the theater on Amateur Night, held every Wednesday night at the Apollo Theater. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

The Tree of Hope, the famous tree stump on stage that amateur contestants and stars have rubbed for good luck since the 1930s. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

The world-famous Apollo Audience, in charge of cheering or booing contestants on stage during their performances. The Audience reaction determines whether the contestant will move onto the next level or not. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

Ms. Vicky, the talent coordinator, calls out the contestants’ musical selections during rehearsal for Amateur Night. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

Queenz Finest, a returning Amateur Night dance troupe, make it to the Top Dog competition on March 21st, 2007. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

C.P. Lacey, the Apollo’s “Executioner,” taps losing contestants off-stage while a siren wails and audience members boo and cheer. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

Queenz Finest, a returning Amateur Night dance troupe, prepare for the Top Dog competition on March 21st, 2007. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

C.P. Lacey, the Apollo’s “Executioner,” taps losing contestants off-stage while a siren wails and audience members boo and cheer. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

The NY dance-mime troupe LOCKISMS prepares makeup and wardrobe before their stage call for the Apollo’s Amateur Night Top Dog Competition on March 21st, 2007. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

Tajanique Jones, an Apollo Star of Tomorrow, watches adult contestants get ready for their performances during the Top Dog Competition at the Apollo Theater. © 2007 Jennifer Warren

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	In the pictures are very beautiful. i see this stils always lucky. Posted by: karthi Aug 11, 2007 @ 1:18 AM EST
	The original "Executor's" stage name was "Puerto Rico." Posted by: Walt Carter Aug 14, 2007 @ 4:14 PM EST
	in the year of2001 the apolo came to henderson nc and i were picked to go to new york to dance but i,ve never got that spot. i were comming but due to things with my family back then. ive wish i,ve would of came now i,am 36 and i still think that i have what it takes to turn some heads i were called the ruberband man ,, the one that did,nt have any bones in me but i.ve been thinking about what i could have been back then. i want to take another shot at it you all might still have my tape check me out the...ruberband man the one with no bones..... Posted by: thurmanevans Dec 31, 2007 @ 11:55 PM EST

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