The winner of the upcoming East Carolina Star Search competition will no doubt be charismatic and talented.

But no one knows yet just who will take home the grand prize in the event, a fundraiser for Eagle’s Wings food pantry.

“The judges will be looking for individuals or groups that mesmerize them and the audience with their charisma, stage presence, originality, confidence in their performance, audience appeal and, of course, their talent,” said Janet Cox, who serves as co-director of the competition along with Debbie Adams.

Presented by Eagle’s Wings and Le Moulin Rouge de Danse, the competition at the Turnage Theater in Washington will showcase some of the most talented folks in the area.

And there’s still time to enter, according to Cox and Adams.

“The entry forms are starting to come in and the excitement is building,” said Adams, interim executive director of Eagle’s Wings. “There is an amazing variety of talent in eastern North Carolina. We are going to have the opportunity to share all of it on the Turnage stage.”

Singers, dancers, musicians, comedians and other specialty acts are invited to enter. Entry forms can be picked up at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, Eagle’s Wings and LeMoulin Rouge de Danse in Washington. Forms may also be requested via email at eastcarolinastarsearch@gmail.com.

Auditions, complete with a live in-house audience, are scheduled for April 5 beginning at 2 p.m. Those chosen by the judges will advance to the final round of competition, to be held June 7 at theTurnage.

“Our auditions will provide great entertainment, and the East Carolina Star Search will be an amazing show,” Adams said.

Acts must be three minutes or less in length, and since audience appeal is part of the selection process performers are encouraged to pack the house with their fans. Premier seating tickets are now available for $12 each, with some seating available at the door the day of the show as space permits.

To compete, each act will make a $100 donation to Eagle’s Wings. That donation may be in the form of sponsorship money provided by family, friends and local businesses.

The East Carolina Star Search winner will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize. Second place receives $500, and the third place finalist will receive $250.

For more information, including where to purchase tickets, visit www.ecstarsearch.net.