Search for talent is on in SV

Step aside, American Idol. Aspiring young singers, actors, dancers, musicians and the like have a chance to compete in the annual Search for Talent put on by the Exchange Club of Scotts Valley.
The winner in each of three divisions — elementary, junior and senior — will go on to compete in the Central Coast Regional Search for Talent competition. Then, regional winners will compete in the California-Hawaii-Nevada district finals.
There are awards at each level — trophies and certificates — and the winners will receive money for travel expenses and cash prizes.
So, what type of performances will win over the panel of local actors, performers and directors who judge the contest?
Almost anything, as long as it’s well done and entertaining, organizers say.
“If the performer is having a whale of a good time, the audience is going to love it,” said Claire Hodgin, an Exchange Club member who is organizing the annual competition.
In the past, contestants ages 6 through 18 have done everything from unicycle across the stage to play concert piano.
Hodgin, who owns Musical Me, a business that teaches music to youngsters, is a proponent of young people getting on stage, no matter their skill level.
“It really enhances not only their skills, but their whole lives,” she said.
At a glance
• WHAT: Scotts Valley Exchange Club’s Search for Talent
• WHEN: 1 p.m. Feb. 20
• WHERE: Bethany University Theater, 800 Bethany Drive, in Scotts Valley
• COST: $10 registration fee for individuals ages 6 through 18; group entries must be no larger than three
• INFO: Claire or Tammy, 438-1000