Rules & Guidelines

Official Contest Rules and Performance Guidelines

All participants in the Talent Show Contest must abide by the following rules below. Violations of any rules below are grounds for disqualification. In the rules, the Talent Show will be referred to as "the Contest or the Show." Organizers of the event will be referred to as Organizers. Contestants will be referred to as "Contestants," and Alternates as Alternates.

The contest is open to people of all ages from 10 to 100 and all skill levels, performing any talent. Contestants may perform solo, or as a group. If performing as a group each member must register separately.
To audition for the contest Contestants must register for the contest online and by submitting the Registration packet located on the Audition Page, and a video — Five (5) minutes maximum — of themselves performing any song of their choice or doing any act of their choosing, so long as it is not offensive or inappropriate.
Performances may include singing, dancing, comedy, magic, instrumental performances, or other talents. Surprise us.
The selection committee will review all submissions and will notify candidates if they have, or have not, been selected to perform on the Main Stage at the Augusta Civic Center and what the next steps will be. Applicants may make no more than 5 separate video submissions and must include new registration documentation each time.
Performance Guidelines:
Round 1: Twenty (20) Contestants, and possibly 5 Alternates, each performance is limited to 5–7 minutes, including stage entry & exit.
Round 2: Ten (10) Contestants, each Contestant performance is limited to 5–7 minutes, including stage entry & exit.
Final Round: Three (3) Contestants, each Contestant will perform for 5–7 minutes, including stage entry & exit.
The Audience Votes for the Contest Winners. Each ticket purchased will be assigned a unique identifier which will allow the ticket holder to vote one (1) time in each round for their favorite Contestant using their cell phone.
Door Prizes and Partner Rewards
With each ticket purchased the ticket holder will be automatically entered into the Door Prize Drawings that will be conducted throughout the event.
Because this is a Charity Fundraiser the Organizers will be distributing 100% of all the profits to numerous non-profit social service organizations and Partners, based on their participation level.
The Contestant receiving the highest overall total score from the audience in attendance will be declared the winner of the Contest. In the event of a tie or system failure the Judging Panel will determine the winner.

Judging Categories

Overall Talent Level — raw skill, ability, mastery.
Stage Presence — confidence, charisma, command of stage.
Audience Engagement — ability to connect and hold attention.
Creativity/Originality — unique style, interpretation, or routine.
Costume/Appearance — effort, polish, and presentation.
Entertainment Value — overall wow factor and enjoyment.
Timing/Rhythm — pacing, smoothness, delivery.
Voice/Instrument/Skill Quality — technical strength of their chosen act.
Professionalism — preparation, confidence, and composure.
Consistency — strength and flow of performance from start to finish.

If the Contestants are still tied, the Contestants involved in the tie will return to the stage, and the host will ask the audience to cheer for their favorite. The Contestant who receives the loudest sustained audience response (as determined by a decibel meter, stopwatch and judge consensus) will be declared the winner.
The Winners will receive $1000 for 1st Place, $750 for 2nd Place and $500 for 3rd Place. All Contestants & Alternates will receive a Swag Bag for participating and free tickets for the weekend. We want all of our Contestants to get the true star experience.
The Contestants shall make themselves available for reasonable media interviews, publicity appearances before, during & after the Contest, including meet and greets.
The Contest and Organizers are not responsible for any expenses of the Contestants at any time, including any expenses with respect to travel, lodging and other expenses. Employees or relatives of employees of Organizers are unable to compete in The Contest.
Profanity and/or vulgarity on stage or backstage will not be tolerated and any contestant violating this rule will be immediately disqualified from the contest. Any Contestant found to be using a controlled substance will be immediately disqualified. Any contestants acting inappropriately on or off stage during any round of the contest will be disqualified from The Contest.
Contestants must not disrupt or interfere with the event or other contestants and must keep stage comments to a minimum due to time constraints. No offensive, lewd, or inappropriate material will be allowed to be performed. Contestants must follow all staff directions or risk disqualification and removal at staff discretion.
NO Booing or Jeering will be tolerated and is grounds for immediate disqualification & removal by security.
This is a supportive environment, and everyone will be treated with respect, dignity and encouragement, especially from other Contestants and the audience.
No non-prior approved props are allowed on the stage during the contest other than a stool and/or a musical instrument or other equipment needed to perform. All other props are prohibited. If you need equipment or a prop it must be approved by organizers no later than May 1, 2027.
Contestants cannot leave the stage when performing or perform dangerous stunts. Due to time constraints and in order to ensure a fair and impartial performance, contestants are not allowed to distribute items to the audience.
Contestants, representatives of contestants, and relatives of contestants cannot interact with Judges prior to or during the rounds unless spoken to first.
Organizers reserve the right to remove any contestant from the contest at reasonable discretion.
This list and rules are not all inclusive and may be altered by event staff if the situation is warranted at any time.