The talent selection committee for the “Barton County’s Got Talent” dinner theater/talent show in January is accepting video auditions for the annual fundraiser, which benefits the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
Video auditions will be accepted through Sunday, Nov. 25.  Any performers interested in getting involved with the charity event can e-mail their three-minute video audition to habitatbartoncounty@hotmail.com. Video attachments will probably be too large to e-mail, so auditioning acts are encouraged to upload their video to YouTube and e-mail a link instead, said Rachel Mawhirter, event coordinator.
The first live auditions were held recently and the committee was pleased with the turnout, Mawhirter stated in a news release. “Singers, instrumental musicians, vocal groups and dancers were among those to try out for the fourth annual fundraiser. ... We’ve gotten so many responses from groups that couldn’t attend the auditions, so we’ve decided to accept video auditions for the first time this year.”
“Barton County’s Got Talent” will take place on Saturday, Jan. 19, at Grace Community Church. A new seating arrangement will allow for as many as 500 people to enjoy the show. Tickets will go on sale in early December.
“This fundraiser is a spin-off of the America’s Got Talent television show, but with a few differences – the judges don’t comment on each performance, the event raises money for local charity Habitat for Humanity, and the audience will get to help choose a winner for the first time this year,” Mawhirter said. “The People’s Choice Award will allow audience members to vote for their favorite performance, in addition to the traditional Judge’s Choice Award.”
In addition to competing acts, the event will also feature a number of contributing acts that are not part of the competition portion. “People with natural talents are encouraged to perform in our show, even if they don’t want to compete for the titles,” Mawhirter said. “All acts, whether they are competing or contributing, have to submit an audition so we can get a feel for the type of performance they will be doing.”
For more information about auditioning or to reserve seats in advance, contact event organizer Mawhirter by calling 620-786-4896 or e-mail habitatbartoncounty@hotmail.com.