Back for its second year, the Langley Has Talent contest is searching for gifted residents young and old to show off their skills.
Whether it’s singing, dancing, juggling or telling jokes, organizers from the four Rotary Clubs of Langley want to see anyone and everyone with all kinds of talents perform.
“We are looking for any hidden talents out there. Dancers, gymnasts, comedians, ventriloquists, we don’t care. If you have talent, bring it out here,” said Peter Luongo, chair of the Langley Has Talent committee.
The main goal for the competition is to give a stage for entertainers in Langley to perform, and to raise awareness and funds for a performing arts venue to be built in Langley.
According to Luongo, Langley is the only community in the Lower Mainland without a proper theatre.
“Every community from Vancouver to Hope has a theatre, but not Langley. We have talent and we have talent that deserves a venue to perform,” he said.
Participants are vying for $2,500 cash, industry prizes and the opportunity to perform at events in Langley such as the Canada Day celebrations and the International Festival.
Last year, 100 residents from ages 11 to 72 took to the stage with the hopes of making it to the final performance at Christian Life Assembly in front of 800 people.
Tiffany Desrosiers sung her way to the winning title with her rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. Along with the top prize came $2,500 cash and studio time at both Blue Frog Studios and Shaw Cable. Since the contest, she has continued to elevate her career.
“She’s continuing to pursue her career and is doing great,” Luongo said. “My understanding is that she is making great strides and getting great opportunities. Any time you get involved in a contest like this, it helps your career.”
The money raised from the event is put into a legacy fund to eventually build a performing arts venue within Langley. Last year’s competition brought in $20,000. Although the funding is important, showing off local talent and raising awareness are the principal goals, says Luongo.
“Raising awareness that we have talent and we want it to be out there for people to see is key,” Luongo said. “This is something we need here.”
Those who wish to audition must pre-register online at www.langleyhastalent.ca. Deadline for registration is Feb. 23. Cost is $25 for solo acts, $50 for duos and $75 for groups. Auditions take place on Feb. 25 and March 3. The top 30 semifinals will be held at Christian Life Assembly on April 21 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. with the top 15 final show on May 5.