Super star: Do you have what it takes to be the next big winner of Orcas Has Talent?

Published 8:24 am Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Orcas entertainers are gearing up for the annual extravaganza known as “Orcas Has Talent.”

“I have a feeling that this year the production level will go way up,” said organizer Donna Laslo. “I’ve heard rumors about fog machines and lights. I think contestants are upping the ante.”

Now in its seventh year, Orcas Has Talent is a chance for local acts to compete for a grand prize of $500. Originally called Orcas Idol, the event was strictly for singers. Last year, Laslo changed the name and the format, allowing a diverse range of performers to make their bid. The evolution was met with overwhelming support, according to votes cast by last year’s audience members.

All net proceeds from the event go to the Orcas Island Prevention Partnership, which is a community coalition comprised of individuals, groups and business organizations dedicated to keeping the Orcas Island community safe and healthy.

“Seven years ago our OIPP members brainstormed in an effort to provide the community with an event that the entire family could attend,” said member Julie Pinardi. “Orcas Has Talent is OIPP’s one and only annual fundraiser and what a wonderful community event it is. Your support by attending this event allows us to maintain the critical prevention work we do for our island.”

Returning judges are dancer Susan Babcock, musician Joe Babcock and musician/singer Anita Orne.

“There is so much talent on Orcas and a lot of people keep their talents private, so for them to put it out there takes a lot of guts and courage,” Susan said. “The reception is always great, it’s for a great cause and the audience is always enthusiastic. And as judges, we hope we can be encouraging.”

New to the judges’ table is Bob Shipstad, who has been a producer and director for more than 40 years. His credits include projects with Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Jim Henson’s productions, Children’s Television Workshop, ABC, NBC, and CBS.

“I am honored to be part of Orcas Has Talent and believe, like American Idol and America’s Got Talent, many talented individuals of all ages are afforded a chance to shine, get more involved in the performing arts and maybe even launch a career,” Shipstad said.

How it works

Auditions for the 15 adult contestants are at the Grange on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The competition is open to singers, musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians, and talent of all kinds, from high school students to adults. They signed up in December. The judges will award the top eight acts a “Golden Ticket” to compete at the Finale Show on Feb. 4, where they hope to win the votes of audience members and take home a grand prize of $500. Tickets for the audition show are $10; doors open at 7 p.m.

That same day, the Orcas Has Talent, Jr. competition is open to youth grades five to eight and will be held at 2 p.m. The judges will select the top junior talent and the winner will have the choice to either perform for the finale show or go up against the adults during the finale event. Tickets are $5; doors open at 1:30 p.m.

The big finale

The finale show is at Orcas Center on Feb. 4 starting at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets will be on sale at Darvill’s Books starting Jan. 23. Adults are $25, youth $15 (ages 12 and under). Tickets for general seating often sell out, so live streaming video will once again be offered in the Madrona Room. For questions, email orcashastalent@gmail.com.

The four judges will lend their insight into every act, but it’s up to the audience to vote for the winner.

Last year’s winners, dance partners Laura Ludwig and Charles Dalton, both say the experience was confidence-boosting.

“I was able to once again experience intense days of choreography, rehearsals and dancing – days full of doing what I love with a dedicated and inspired partner!” Ludwig said. “Performing for our community and their enthusiastic cheers felt so wonderful, and winning was like the cherry on top. All of this love and support gave me just the extra bit of confidence I needed to start teaching my own dance classes and spreading the uninhibited joy I feel, making dance, with others.”