Skilled youths are ready to compete for the coveted first place purse of $1,000 at the fifth annual ‘Prince Rupert’s Got Talent’.
“We have 21 young talented contestants, under 19, and they sang, danced, drummed, flexed and tickled the ivories and impressed the their way past the judges to be in the event,” said Crystal Lorette, general manager of the Lester Centre of the Arts where the event is being hosted.
The panel of three judges, who will remain unnamed until the show, are looking for audience interaction from the contestants. Lucas Anders, the morning show host for EZ Rock, is the MC for the evening. This year audiences will see an equal amount of musical acts and dance.
“The main reason I started it five years ago was that I wanted to provide a platform for youth to express themselves and we do need to encourage the youth,” Lorette said.
Sponsorships support the awards, with $500 for second place and $250 for third. Last year’s winner, Hannah Proksch, will perform during the show to offer inspiration but will not compete.
Tickets cost $10 and all proceeds go to “Lighting the way”, a project the Lester Centre has been working on to replace the 200-plus lights in the centre, which are as old as the building (30 years) and the non-profit charity is inching closer to paying the bill.
The show starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at Cooks Jewellers.