Published: Wednesday, 25th August, 2010 5:00pm

Westmeath Amateur Talent Contest set for Dean Crowe Theatre

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A new local talent show - organised by Temple Villa FC and supporting several charities - has been confirmed for the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone. The predicted timeframe for the contest - entitled The Westmeath Amateur Talent Contest - is from the first week in October to the end of November, and it will be held in the fabulous Dean Crowe Theatre Athlone.

The event is sponsored by Grouse Lodge Studios, Rosemount, and due to expected demand it's necessary to limit the number of contestants that can be accepted.

Applications therefore will be dealt with on a first-come first-served basis.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, organiser Eamon O'Neill said one of the objectives behind the contest "is not alone to raise funds for development at the grounds of the organisers Temple Villa FC but to also lend support to deserving causes such as South Westmeath Hospice and St. Luke's Cancer Research".

Initially, contestants will pay €20 per act to enter the competition and to acknowledge their participation each act will receive three complimentary admission passes to attend three qualifying heats, along with five Temple Villa Pontoon Teams (worth €25) to be in with a chance to win €500.

Eamon said: "It's expected that 50 per cent of the competitors from each qualifying heat will progress to the next round of the competition. This percentage may be less however and can only be determined when the final number of applicants is known. For each qualifying heat up to but not including the semi-final stage, a panel of adjudicators will each night decide on half of those to qualify, and the other half from each heat will be decided by audience vote."

Audience voting will not apply at semi-final and final stages, but adjudicators will take audience support and reaction to performances into consideration.

A common marking scheme is to be used by adjudicators and will be available before the competition to all contestants.

While organisers will endeavour to facilitate all applications, those interested in applying are advised to avoid disappointment and apply early.

Enquiries and full rules, terms and conditions are available from Larry 086 1694680 or Eamon 0863412063.