“Orcas Has Talent” is a community event where the audience will vote for their favorite “act.”
The winner will once again take home a $500 cash prize on Feb. 9 at Orcas Center. All net proceeds go to Orcas Island Prevention Coalition.
“There is a wide variety of talent and we want to urge people to jump in even at the last minute, it’s never too late,” said Donna Laslo, event producer.
To see the hopeful candidates take their shot at making it to the final show, get your ticket for auditions on Jan. 19 at the Grange, $10 at the door. This year’s lineup already includes a stand-up comic, a band, a magician and a performance artist. Judges Susan Osborn, Gene Nery and Bob Shipstad will award the top eight acts their “Golden Ticket,” which is a pass to compete at the finale at Orcas Center.
The audition not only gives the audience a good show, but offers performers a chance to broader their horizons with supportive feedback from the judges.
“Hopefully what we say is helpful,” said Osborn. “Our focus has been to get the community to be part of the team and an opportunity to support the coalition. For me, that is the focus. Winning is secondary.”
Osborn said that if anyone needs support prior to auditioning to contact her at susanosborn@susanosborn.com.
Also on Jan. 19. at 2 p.m. the “Orcas Has Talent Junior” competition will feature fifth through eighth grade Orcas Islanders at the Grange. Tickets are $5.
“There will be lots of juniors in this year’s competition,” Laslo said. “There are some amazing up and coming talent never seen before and they have been working really hard.”
The winner of that competition will be awarded $50 and a chance to compete against the adults and have a shot at winning a total of $550. Or they can choose to not compete and perform one song at the February show.
Back by popular demand is the “Special Talents” video, which will be viewed during a voting round. It is a seven-minute display of locals showing off their hilarious and often amazing “special” talents.
A few from previous years included: a person whose eyes go in two different directions, a singing dentist and his assistant and even talented animals.
Laslo makes a point of visiting different places on the island to find new candidates for the video.
“I walk through the door and I see special talents.” Laslo said.
If you are ready to sign up for Orcas Has Talent, Orcas Has Talent Junior competition or would like to be featured in the “Special Talents” video, send a request to orcashastalent@gmail.com.
