CHOCOWINITY — A Beaufort County entertainment venue is making plans to showcase local singers hoping for a place in the spotlight.

Tar Heel Variety Theater in Chocowinity will host a talent show March 7, according to Angie Lewis, whose family operates the venue. The winner will have the opportunity to be the opening act for gospel entertainer Ivan Parker in May.

The theater’s September 2014 talent show was such a hit with the audience that the Lewis family decided to host another evening of local entertainment. In fact, plans are in place to stage at least two talent competitions each year, according to Lewis. New Bern’s Chad Delph, at the time a barber student, won the September showcase.

“The last one was a great success,” Lewis said. “We found out there is a lot of great talent out there. We’ve got a lot of great hidden talent that should be shared.”

Lewis said she was so taken with several of the performers, including Delph, that she has asked them to perform during other Tar Heel Variety Theater shows, including its Christmas extravaganza and a recent Night at the Opry presentation.

Along with opening for Ivan Parker, the winner of the March 7 contest will receive a cash award, as will the top two runners-up. If at least 25 performers register for the contest, the prizes will be $300, $125 and $75 respectively, Lewis noted. If fewer than 25 register, the payout will be adjusted accordingly. There is no entry fee to compete, but each contestant is asked to purchase an admission ticket to the show.

Tickets are $10 each and curtain time is 7 p.m. The doors open to the public at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be sold.

The karaoke-style singing competition is open to any type of music, with only one stipulation.

“The only requirement I have is it has to be clean, it has to be good family entertainment,” Lewis said.

A panel of judges will award points based on voice quality, stage presence, appearance, song selection, tract quality and audience reaction. Each contestant will perform one song, and the winners will be announced at the end of the evening’s show.

“Audience reaction is very important, so bring all your family and friends so they can show their support,” Lewis said.

For more information, or to register for the talent show, call 252-975-2117.

Meanwhile, the theater is putting the finishing touches on its spring series of shows. They include a bluegrass concert featuring Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road March 21 and Keith Henderson’s “Illusions of The King” Elvis tribute show May 2. The theater is also planning a spring bazaar April 11 and a fundraising event April 25. Ivan Parker’s concert is slated for May 16, while Dailey & Vincent are booked to appear Mary 30. Ronnie McDowell and The McDowell Band will be in concert June 20.

For a complete listing of shows, visit www.tarheelvarietytheater.com. Tar Heel Variety Theater is located at 485 Carrow Road, just off N.C. Highway 33 west of Chocowinity.