The first nationally known ventriloquist to ever grace the local stage will perform at the Washington High School Performing Arts Center this weekend.

The act, ventriloquist Kevin Johnson, accompanied by his puppets Matilda, Clyde and Harley, was selected by the Beaufort County Concert Association to provide a performance that families could enjoy together, according to Alma Friedman, BCCA president. According to his website, Johnson is recognized as one of the world’s top 10 ventriloquists and is widely known from his appearance on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

“We’re really pushing for kids (to attend),” Friedman said. “It’s kid-friendly and families are encouraged to attend. He’s just something different. We haven’t had anything like this, and that’s why we chose a Sunday event because we want families to come out. We wanted to try to get more of a family show, and we thought he would be great.”

According to Jerry Oughton, co-chair of the organization’s publicity committee, David Letterman, who has hosted Johnson on The Late Show, said Johnson’s show, “… was very, very impressive. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Friedman said board members from the organization handpicked Johnson during an annual summer trip to Tennessee where Live On Stage, the agency through which the acts are booked, featured a lineup of acts to choose from. She said the selection process is tough, however. The board members, including Friedman, see about 45 acts in two days before having to consider budgeting, appeal and other factors in selecting the acts they feel will be well received.

“It’s really hard, but it’s fun,” Friedman said. “We bring acts to town that people normally wouldn’t get to see.”

Johnson will perform Sunday at 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. The event is free to children, who are accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $10 at the door for adults, as opposed to BCCA’s normal $25 charge for its shows.

Oughton said the cost was set to make it more affordable for families.

For more information or for tickets, visit gobcca.org.