The Crystal Theatre will hold its first ever talent contest next month.

The Crystal’s Got Talent 2010 Amateur Talent show will be held during the second weekend of March at the local theater.

Preliminaries are March 12 at 7 p.m. and the finals are March 13 at 7 p.m. Contestant applications are due March 5.

The talent show, similar in nature to nationally renowned shows such as “America’s Got Talent,” is open to anyone who can sing, dance, do magic tricks or perform just about any other talent, according to Crystal Theatre board member Terry McKenzie.

“Anything,” was McKenzie’s response when asked what types of acts are being sought for the show. “If you re comfortable with what you’re going to do, by all means sign up.”

McKenzie said the idea for a talent show came up during a recent Crystal Theatre board meeting, as board members were outlining the various events they would hold during the year.

“We thought, ‘let’s showcase the talent around here.’ Plus the fact that it helps us see the talent we’ve got around here that maybe we haven’t seen before.”

McKenzie said the show may bring about some talent that could be utilized in future Crystal Theatre performances.

The talent show will be one of six season ticket events held this year. Season ticket holders can use one punch on their card to get into both the preliminary and final competitions. Those who don’t have passes can get in for $5 for the preliminaries and $10 for the finals.

The first place winner of the contest will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Second place gets $600, and third receives $400.

All other finalists will receive a $25 in Flandreau Bucks as a consolation prize.

Finalists will be decided during the March 12 preliminary round.

Prizes are awarded per act, not per person. The entry fee for all acts is $10.

McKenzie said judges are also being sought for the competition, in addition to the acts.

He said the theater board would prefer to have out of town judges to eliminate any potential for local bias in judging.

Talent acts will be judged on quality, stage presences, audience reception, etc., McKenzie said.

McKenzie stressed the fact that contestants do not need to be from Flandreau or even the surrounding area. The contest is open to anybody, and to all ages.

To get an application, go to the Flandreau city web page at www.cityofflandreau.com, check out Crystal Theatre on Facebook or email McKenzie at tmckenzie_98@yahoo.com

Applications can be returned to the Crystal Theatre, P.O. Box 12, Flandreau, S.D. 57028.

For those who have questions about the contest, McKenzie can also be reached at 530-9456. Board members Dan Sutton can be reached at 864-1477 and 864-8617, respectively.

Those who are interested in being judges can contact any of the board members.

McKenzie said the theater board hopes to see a good turnout.

“Everybody’s welcome,” he said. “(We) hope to get a good crowd.”