#Breckenridge, Colorado.
This year, in addition to parades, elaborate costumes and countless parties, UllrFest will feature the unique skills and talents of everyday people, from Summit County and beyond. KSMT radio station will host Breck’s Got Talent — a talent show to take place at the Backstage Theatre and offering cash prizes.
In previous years, KSMT has hosted a variety of game show-style dating games. This year, however, the station decided to try something different.
“It was really fun, but we also wanted to find something that appealed to all ages,” said KSMT’s Elizabeth Miller.
Unlike the dating games, restricted to specific ages and demographics, the talent show is open to anybody and everybody who is interested. There is no age limit, and entry is not restricted solely to Summit County residents — if someone’s going to be in Breckenridge for UllrFest, he or she can send in a video. People can also show off their pets’ special talents, so long as they are confident the animal could repeat its tricks onstage in front of a live audience.
“Talent shows seem to be really hot right now,” said Johnny Brokaw, promotions director and morning DJ with KSMT, on the reason for choosing the contest style. “It’s something that hasn’t been done (up here) before, and it’s a fresh take on things.”
In order to enter the contest, participants must record a video of their talent — no longer than 90 seconds — and email it to the station or upload it to KSMT’s Facebook or YouTube page.
About 15 acts or so will be chosen for round two, which will take place onstage at the Backstage Theatre. There, contestants will face a panel of three local judges — Liza Moler of Budweiser, Elisabeth Lawrence of The Summit Foundation and Michael “Gibby” Gibson of KSMT. The judges will narrow the field to three winners, at which point the audience will vote to decide which act gets first, second or third place. First place receives $500, second place $300 and third place $200.
Already, the video entries are pouring in, according to Brokaw.
“We have singers, dancers, a hula hooper, an actor,” he said, just to name a few. So far, he’s been impressed by a guitar-playing sister duo and a live action reenactment of “Lord of the Rings.” Entries have come in from residents of Summit County (including some Summit School District teachers) and beyond.
Tickets can be purchased now at the Breckenridge Welcome Center for $5, which includes a beer or a soft drink.
Space at the Backstage Theatre is limited, so tickets may sell out. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m.
Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.
