BROOKINGS — Brookings’ got talent, and the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center wants to showcase those skills May 15 at the "Arts at the Oscar" event.

“This is a community engagement opportunity for visual and performing arts in the Brookings community,” Christina Castillo, Larson Family-endowed director, said. “It’s our way to engage, recognize and showcase all the amazing talent that we have in our community.”

Performers can register for free through May 1 at a link posted here.

“There’s no tryout process at all, but it is first come, first serve — and we do have a wait list,” Castillo said. “The different categories we have include aerial arts, dance, drama, instrumental, vocal and then we have visual art showcases and demonstrations as well as technical performing arts.”

Participants get a 15-minute slot to showcase their skills. Simultaneous events will take place throughout the building that evening.

“We will have a social to let people network and connect. Then we’ll also have an opening ceremony where we’re going to recognize people who have won awards,” Castillo said. “Then we’ll move into kind of like a talent show. We’re calling them showcases because we’re showcasing all the artists and talented people that want to sign up. We’re filling the whole building.”

She’s hoping people with a wide range of skills will participate.

“Brookings is really a gem in both our state and in our region. We have many professional-level performers and artists who are really well-renowned,” Castillo said. “There are so many artists in town who are putting together unique works or maybe even covers of work … these showcases are a great opportunity for them to come in and showcase their individual talents that maybe they don’t otherwise have an opportunity to do so.”

Showcases will be divided into two categories — ages 19 and older, and 18 and younger.

“When we’re talking 18 and younger, we’re looking for any of those individuals who may be prepping a piece for a recital or an art piece they’re going to submit to the state fair,” Castillo said. “We already host the Brookings School District for lots of their concerts and performances. A lot of the local dance organizations come here for their yearly recitals … we really want to give them a platform to come and showcase their art or even use this as maybe a practice run.”

Although most of the evening will be dedicated to local talent, the final performance features two national-touring musicians.

“We’re going to end the evening with the Kings of Soul and Swing — that’s the stars of ‘Hamilton’ the musical and the lead singer from Glenn Miller Orchestra,” Castillo said. “We’re going to have them upstage and elevated, and then we’re going to have the stage open for live dancing so that people can come out and enjoy themselves … but something that’s really cool is we’re bringing in these two singers, but all of the musicians accompanying them are local musicians we’ve booked.”

Tickets are on sale now.

“It’s $30 and that includes appetizers and soft drinks. We will have a cash bar,” Castillo said. “If you’re a showcaser, you get to do your showcase for free and then you also get two free tickets to the event.”

Katrina Weber is a marketing coordinator intern with the program and encourages people to participate.

“Some people can view it as a huge event and think, ‘I’m not good enough, or I’m not ready for this,’” she said. “But it’s about celebration, so it doesn’t have to be a big, scary thing. We really just want you. Don’t be afraid and please sign up if you think you have something to share. Recommend it to a friend as well.”

Castillo said they hope to make it an annual event.

“The arts are something that really bring joy and give people fulfillment,” she said. “Being involved in and witnessing the arts has given academic enhancement to individuals. It’s also a way to express yourself in a very creative way, and I think it forms community and brings people together. That’s ultimately what this event is trying to do — celebrate, engage and showcase all the arts that we have in our vibrant community.”

Contact Jay Roe at jroe@brookingsregister.com.