Looking for live, local entertainment? Perhaps some dancing and singing, a little fiddle playing and martial arts?
Look no further. The first Lakes Area Talent Show will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 22.
Audience members may attend the show at the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center or stream the event online.
Three judges — Christine Reilly, Nicole Mulder and Brian Chlian — sorted through video entries and determined the 10 finalists, who will compete for the chance to win Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce dollars. First place will get $300, second place will receive $200 and third will walk away with $100.
Since Mulder curates seasons for Theatre L'Homme Dieu as the executive director, she said she’s had plenty of experience selecting a variety of artistic performances.
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“When I heard that a local talent show was in the works, I jumped at the chance to be involved,” she said. “It's like I have been training for this.”
Although dancing and singing came up as popular talents in the submission pool, the three judges said they were surprised by some unique entries, such as spoken word and Taekwondo, which will both be represented in the show.
Wide smiles spread across participants’ faces are what drew Chlian’s attention.
“I think people in general, especially kids, need more outlets than just their phones nowadays,” he said. “Music, dance and other talents can be a great way to destress through all stages of life.”
Confidence was a key trait that struck both Mulder and Reilly about the top performers chosen.
“I was certainly watching for skill but also for what acts really caught my attention and made me want to see them live on stage,” Reilly said.
For its first year, Mulder said there were more entries than she expected but that there’s room for the show to continue growing in the future.
The finalists and their talents are as follows: Aleah Dokter, dance; Anna Meehan, Irish fiddle solo; Levi Gibson and Abby Kangas, advanced belt Taekwondo demo; Leah Zenner, singing; Isaac Loeffler, classical piano; Ethan Loeffler, piano; Rylin Converse, dance; Alexis Loosbrock and Tony Loosbrock, duet singing and guitar; Marisa Rousa, singing with self-piano accompaniment; Beverly Clobes, spoken word.
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“It's more than just a talent show,” Mulder said. “It is a reflection of the community and our desire to learn about each other and encourage the confidence in our neighbors to be who they are and shine in that space.”
If you go
When: Thursday, April 22, at 7 p.m.
Where: Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center, 4300 Pioneer Rd. SE
Tickets: General admission is $12. Tickets can be purchased at the door, online at alexschools.org/pac , through the Community Education Box Office at 1410 McKay Ave. S or over the phone at 320-762-3310 ext. 2.
Livestream: alexschools.org/channel1
