“We Know You’ve Got It, Now Come Out and Flaunt It!” encourages the website for Waxhaw’s Got Talent. A bright, splatter-paint background, overlaid with the image of a radio broadcast style microphone, catches the eye. Underneath the exclamation is a call-to-action, encouraging community members of all ages to “Apply Now!” The reward of cash prizes beckons.
Waxhaw’s Got Talent is the first annual talent contest that is being organized to raise money for The Waxhaw Police Explorer and Cadet Program. The Cadets are boys ages 12 and 13. The Explorers are a group of young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 years old. According to their website, “These young adults, who are interested in learning about law enforcement and leadership, dedicate their time under the advisement of Waxhaw Police Department Sergeant James Pool, and Lieutenant B. L. Zill.” Officer Lira Ramirez also serves as Post Advisor. Waxhaw Police Explorers are trained to assist with traffic and crowd control during special town events, among other things.
The program incurs expenses, such as uniform, equipment, and training costs, which makes it necessary for them to host fundraisers throughout the year. Waxhaw’s Got Talent will be their biggest and most community-wide event yet.
Because this is the first talent contest, there are no categories. The website says, “Instead, a 5 person judging panel will select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners based on the judging rubric located on the ‘Apply Now!’ page.” That rubric includes four areas: overall performance, technical ability, stage appearance and personality and creativity/originality/entertainment value. Contestants can earn up to 10 points in each category. First, second and third place winners will receive a Visa gift card for $300, $200 and $100, respectively.
Applicants can apply online or in person. The Waxhaw’s Got Talent Facebook page will be announcing when they will be setting up community registration tables. The Waxhaw Police Explorers are hosting the event, and the Waxhaw Police Department is sponsoring. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for area businesses.
Auditions are available by appointment only, so applying is required. The Waxhaw Police Department’s generous donation to the event has made it possible to waive all application fees, but those who are selected as contestants in the show will need to pay a non-refundable entry fee of $25. This will go toward funding the event prizes and expenses. Selected contestants will have up to five days after notification to pay the fee.
Audition dates are Saturday, June 10th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Wednesday, July 19th from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, and Wednesday, August 9th, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Auditions will be held in the Community Room of the Waxhaw Police Department, at 3620 Providence Rd South, Waxhaw.
The venue for the talent show is still being determined. Event organizers are working with Waxhaw area facilities to determine which site will best fit their needs. This will be better determined after they have been able to assess the amount of space needed based on the level of community interest.
Also according to the website, “Waxhaw’s Got Talent is looking for a fresh, new logo.” The entry form and instructions for this contest are downloadable on the “Logo Contest” page found under the “More” tab. The contest will run from June 1st until June 14th, ending at 5:00 pm. The winner will be announced on that web page on Friday, June 16th.
For more information, call or text 501-487-SHOW(7469) or visit the Waxhaw’s Got Talent website at www.waxhawsgottalent.com. Updates can be found on the Waxhaw’s Got Talent Facebook page, or on Instagram @waxhawsgottalent, or on their Pinterest page, Waxhaw’s Got Talent.
