CHOCOWINITY — Aspiring singers are invited to enter this weekend’s talent show competition, hosted by the Tar Heel Variety Theater.

The karaoke-style event kicks off Saturday evening, at which time 15 semifinalists will be chosen by the panel of judges. Those semifinalist will compete again Sept. 19, according to Angie Lewis, whose family owns and operates the theater.

There is no entry fee but contestants must purchase a $10 ticket to the show. Doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime is 7 p.m.

“We’ll only take the first 25 people to sign up for Saturday,” Lewis said. “They will sing one song each. Anyone interested may sign up in advance by giving us a call.”

Those chosen as semifinalists will then sing two songs each during the Sept. 19 show. Judging for both phases of competition will be based on voice quality, stage presence, appearance, song selection, tract quality and audience reaction.

“So everyone needs to bring all their friends to show their support,” Lewis encouraged.

Contestants can sing any genre of music “as long as it’s good, clean, family music,” she added.

Winners of the last two shows proved to be audience favorites. Chad Delph, then a barber student from New Bern, won the talent competition last September and has since appeared on the Tar Heel stage several times as a guest entertainer. Chris Allen, a grocery market manager from Pinetops, was the first place winner in the most recent talent competition, held at the theater in March. His prizes included the opportunity to serve as the opening act for gospel music performer Ivan Parker in the spring.

The winner of this month’s talent competition will be a headlining act in the Tar Heel’s Christmas shows, scheduled for Dec. 5 and 12, according to Lewis.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner and two runners-up, according to Lewis. Provided there are 25 entrants, the talent winner will receive $300, while the second and third place finalists will be awarded $125 and $75, respectively. The prizes will be adjusted if less than 25 contestants enter the show.

Tar Heel Variety Theater is located on Carrow Road, just off N.C. Highway 33, west of Chocowinity. For more information or to preregister for the competition, call 252-975-2117.