The third annual Ottawa Valley Talent Showcase is set to hit the big stage at Festival Hall early next month.
The yearly talent show is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 7th at 7:00 p.m.
According to producer Dorian Pearce, the show began three years ago out of a desire to showcase more of the unique talents of the people in the community.
Auditions concluded in January. A panel of judges has selected the best performers to showcase at the grand finale, and more local judges will decide the first, second and third best afterwards.
Pearce says the show isn’t divided into categories, showcasing a little bit of everything.
Roughly 45 people auditioned to take part this year, Pearce said, and about 25 are chosen annually for the final showcase.
The judges are all residents known for their work in the community. Past judges include current Deputy Mayor Brian Abdallah, Kiwanis Club member Rhodina Gardner and Deep River-area singer-songwriter Rebecca Hope.
Here is a complete list of the finalists:
- Devin Heaton
- Sadie Hunt
- Mystikana: Juliana Vowles, Ariana Vowles, Kristina Vowles
- Fo Rest
- Mystara
- Marc Audet & Bradley Audet
- Tim Vezina
- Rob Carson
- Peter Davidson
- Abigail Richard
- Conor Avery
- Ava Steven
- Nothing Shocking: A Bennetto, Norm Harrison, Zee, Dee
- Jennifer Germain
- Devin Young
- Rebecca Carson, Katie Carson, Brooklyn Carson
- Isaac Jacob
- Chloé Corriveau
- Kloé Sévégny
- Nicholas Levesque
- Éloise Corriveau
- Caitlin Dougherty & Sarah Dougherty
- Brenna Leamen & Clare Leamen
Pearce also explained that the prize pool has significantly expanded this year, with $1,600 in total prizes including a $1,000 prize for first place.
An audience choice award has also been added for spectators to vote on.
Tickets to the showcase can be purchased on the Festival Hall website.
(Written by Steve Berard)