The next edition of PG's Got Talent is only a couple weeks away, and the performers are in rehearsal mode.
Close to 20 acts will get a spotlight at the Prince George Playhouse on Jan. 8, having prevailed through an audition process. Organizer Sufey Chen said the construction of the showcase takes a lot of time and effort but she and the show's supporters are overwhelmed by the abilities they get to see.
"There is a couple that is returning but the majority are new," she told The Citizen. "There are singers, belly dancers, bands, pianists, violinists, all kinds of different performances. I am so lucky, I get front row seats to all these talented people. It's the best."
Each act is doing its own preparation now, with formal rehearsals scheduled for Dec. 22 (1-5 p.m. at UNBC's student centre, beside The Thirsty Moose Pub), Dec. 29 (1-5 p.m. at the Playhouse), the dress rehearsal on Jan. 7 (4-10 p.m. at the Playhouse) and then the one-night-only, full production for the public the next night.
"It is not a competition, it is a showcase," said Chen, who is, among other things, a student, a musician, a stage performer, and acclaimed volunteer. But she puts all that aside for this event, except the latter. She loves the results of being behind the scenes for this particular show.
"I think P.G. needs it," she said. "I think it benefits all the citizens of Prince George. It is great entertainment for the audience, and it gives the performers an opportunity to express what they are passionate about. They make new friends, too, so a network develops that will help them out in the future. We have supporters like Trend Setters doing hair and makeup; we have our media sponsors; we have the audience, so it is a great community venture and everyone gets to build their knowledge and experience through this."
Chen wants to put attention on the visual arts as well. This year's event will also have a fine arts component to it. She is inviting painters, sculptors, photographers, fabric artists, woodworkers, anyone who does static creations to apply for the art exhibition that will adorn the foyer that night. To inquire about this, email Chen at pgsgottalent@live.ca.
Tickets to see PG's Got Talent are $20 each, available now at Books and Company or at the door while supplies last.
