The Newton County Republican Party is hosting a local talent show in the hopes of better connecting with the community, raising some money and possibly giving a talented local a big break.

Singers, dancers, comedians, magicians and performers of all skills and ages are encouraged to try out for the “Covington’s Got Talent” contest, which is being sponsored by several businesses including two talent agencies, Conquer Entertainment and Brywood Talent Enterprises.

Conquer is looking for singers and musicians and is offering a free, one-year deal with one of the company’s Certified Artist Developers, according to event organizer Deede Ingram. For more details about Conquer, visit its website, getconquer.com.

Atlanta-based Brywood focuses on the film and television, voice-over talent and modeling industries; for more about Brywood, visit brywoodtalent.com. Both companies are also on Facebook.

Three tryouts will be held, at 6 p.m. on July 12, 19 and 26, at Plain Nuts Catering just off the square at 1136 Monticello St. The audition form and contest rules and requirements can be found at newtongop.org/index.php/connect/covingtons-got-talent. Auditions will be kept to a limit of approximately 2 minutes, Ingram said.

There will be two actual talent shows at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Peachtree Academy, 1401 U.S. Highway 278, Covington. Tickets are $5 per adult and $1 for children 12 and under. They will be sold at the door and in advance.

For advance tickets, more information or to sponsor or be a vendor for the event, contact Deede Ingram at 404-333-4774.
The plan is to have up to 36 five-minute acts across the two shows, Ingram said.

The idea for the talent show came from a brainstorming session at which local GOP members tried to come up with a creative fundraiser. Dalleen Bradford came up with the idea of having a “Covington Idol” contest, and then members decided to broaden a potential contest to embrace all talent, said Ingram.

“We thought it would be a good way to get a lot of people in Covington inspired to come out and participate,” Ingram said. “We just want to show Covington that the Republican Party cares about the community.”

The talent show will be professionally judged, and the audience also will participate in the judging, Ingram said. Talent scouts from Conquer and Brywood will be on hand.

Other event sponsors include local businesses A Better Plumbing Service, Majesty Maids, Peachtree Academy, Maxx Computers and Plain Nuts Catering.