Twelve-year-old Kaeli Blakely is no stranger to the stage.
Performing for as long as she can remember, she's hoping to make to make the cut for this year's edition of Prince George's Got Talent.
Blakely was one of a handful of people to audition for the May 5 show during the first day of auditions on Sunday in front of a panel of judges, singing Sugarland's All I Want To Do.
Having only heard about the show and auditions last week, Blakely sang a capella for three of the show's judges - creator Sufey Chen, co-organizer and last year's emcee Sarah Davy and CFIS Homegrown Talent host Dwight Wolfe - in the AiMHi gymnasium. CBC personality Wil Fundal is also a judge.
"I think it went really well," said Blakely after her audition, which included a grilling by the judges about her performance experience (she's played the lead role in her school play for the past three years) and how she would connect with the sure-to-sell-out audience in the Prince George Playhouse.
Though she was showing her mother her shaking fingers after her song, Blakely is enthusiastic about the chance to perform.
"I sing to my mirror to myself. I do it [sing] every day. It's fun," she said.
That enthusiasm and energy is what the judges are looking for, said Chen, 18, who created the local talent show three years ago.
"We're looking for the energy that performer brings to the stage. People who can engage with the audience and people who love what they're doing," she said.
As it grows in popularity, Chen said she is hoping to add a second show this year to showcase the singers, dancers and more the city has to offer. The show includes a People's Choice award and the top performers receives a $200 prize.
"It's a fantastic idea," said Blakely's mom, Tonya Keller.
There will be a series of rehearsals for everyone who makes the cut to enhance their performances. Wolfe, who has been involved in musical theatre in the city for many years, will be one of the coaches.
"That's why we take people with raw potential," said Chen. "We turn them into masterpieces."
The next round of auditions takes place Thursday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. and again on Feb. 25 from 3 to 5 p.m. at AiMHi. All prospective performers must bring everything they need for their performance (backing tracks, instruments, stereos, etc). To book an audition slot, email [email protected]. For more information, visit their website, www.pgsgottalent.com.
