PRESS RELEASES

Contest out to prove Charlotte County - Posted on 2008-01-08

St. Croix Courier, by Sari Boudreau, ST. STEPHEN – Dust off those dancing shoes, tune up your old musicalinstruments or hone your juggling
skills for the upcoming competition – Charlotte County’s Got Talent. The contest replaces the wildlypopular summer series Downeast Idol. Producer Anthony Enman said if the vocal talent displayed at Downeast Idol over the last few years is any indication, he expects to see a lot of Charlotte County residents with some very interesting talents. “It’s going to be interesting. We know that we’ll get some singers, because that seems to be a talent that quite a few people in St. Stephen possess,” said Enman.
This production is a community fundraiser. Enman said that in seasons past, proceeds from the show
have gone to the Charlotte County Civic Centre project. This year, the money will go towards another special project. “This year, we’re donating our funds to the St. Stephen High School theatre upgrade. The theatre is in pretty big need of some new lighting and some good air exchange,” said Enman. I am trying to think of some fundraisers we can do during the year for the Civic Centre.We don’t want to lose that connection.” While performing in Downeast Idol, local singers have wowed audiences at St. Stephen High School. Last season, the decision came down to two popular singers with SSHS student Jessica Cogswell taking the top spot. Enman said the showwill take a slightly different turn this year, with much more than vocal talent in the spotlight. “We’re hoping that we get some unique talent, such as dancers. We’d like to see if anybody can do some really cool magic. I was talking to somebody who said they might be interested in doing some sort of STOMP program,” he said. Not only is the show’s format different, the audition process will be changed as well. Gone are the days when nervous contestants only had to audition in front of a select few people involved with the show. Enman expects plenty of people coming out to audition, but said only 12 acts will make it to the show. “This year, the auditions are part of the show. We do 12 acts. Out of those 12, four or five from the first and second night, are chosen by the judges. Then, we take the audience votes, and the top vote-getters go on to the competition. There’s also a wild card show,” he said. Just to be sure that all of the acts will be suitable for a family-oriented show of this kind, Enman said there will be a screening for all interested performers on March 16. “We screen people just to make sure it’s something we shouldn’t be putting on stage and we can’t be liable for, that sort of thing. If anyone can’t make it to that audition date, call us or e-mail us and we’ll set up a screening time for them.” Enman noted that this year, the price of admission may be slightly higher than in years past. “People say it would be easier if you put it at $5, and it’s all for a good cause, so we’ll probably raise admission to $5 this year. If we do, that will give us some room to toy around with for prize money.” Enman said he hopes Charlotte County’s Got Talent will be as successful as previous Downeast Idol shows.
“We can only do that with the help of the community.” Anyone interested in being a part of Charlotte County’s Got Talent can pick up their applications at the St Croix Courier office on Milltown Boulevard. You will be asked for your name and date of birth, along with contact information and the best times to be contacted. Also, describe your talent. When completed, applications can be dropped off at the Courier or at St. Stephen High School, c/o Krista Amos. Entries can also be e-mailed to ccgottalent@gmail.com.