Lights, camera, action, show them a comedian with passion?

Five, six, seven, eight, someone dances through the gate?

Come in and find a magician who will blow your mind?

It’s all question marks when it comes to the first Lakes Area Talent Show.

Alexandria Public Schools Community Education will be organizing its first talent show as a way for people to showcase their talents and get back out and about safely.

All those interested in auditioning will need to submit a video entry. The top 10 acts selected will be performed live on stage at the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 22.

“We are looking for a way to engage our community during a period when many have felt isolated and distanced from others while following all COVID guidelines,” said Mark Halvorson, manager of the Performing Arts Center.

Adults and youth of all ages are invited to audition with any talent. A flyer for the event listed some examples such as playing an instrument, dancing, doing athletics or gymnastics, performing magic tricks or displaying any unique skill an audience may enjoy.

Step right up

The video must be no more than three minutes long, and anything exceeding that time limit will be disqualified from the competition. Content should be appropriate for family viewing.

Preparation for, performance of and clean-up from each talent must take a total of five minutes or less. Basic lighting and sound will be available in the Performing Arts Center.

A Google Form is available for registration. Videos can be attached through mediums such as a Google link, YouTube video, WeVideo or other similar platforms.

There is a $10 entry fee for each act, and participants may pay by calling 320-762-3310, visiting www.alexschools.org/pac or stopping by the Community Education Office at 1410 McKay Ave. S.

All videos and fees must be submitted and paid before midnight on Thursday, Mar. 25. Any videos submitted after that date will not be accepted.

“We want this to be a celebration of our community,” said Lynn Jenc, community education director of Alexandria Public Schools. “We have so many talented individuals who may not have a venue to share their talents, passion and expertise.”

Setting the stage

Once the talent videos are submitted, they will be reviewed by a panel of judges made up of “local community members with a cross section of experiences,” according to Halvorson.

The judges will pick the top 10 performers based on entertainment, technical skills, stage presence and crowd appeal. Those selected acts will be expected to attend a dress rehearsal Wednesday, April 21, the night before performing for a live audience and an internet livestream.

The top three acts will receive Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce dollars. First place will get $300, second place will receive $200 and third will walk away with $100.

“Don't be afraid to showcase your talent,” Halvorson said. “We encourage anyone who feels they have an act to share, please submit a video for us to view. The more variety, the better.”