Get ready to come out and support the United Way of Central Missouri's third annual Mid-Missouri's Got Talent show at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
This year's show will be at Avenue HQ, 621 E. Capitol Ave., where the stage will come to life with Disney decorations coordinating with this year's United Way fundraising campaign slogan, "If you can dream it, you can do it."
"This is certainly an opportunity to raise funds for the United Way, but equally important, it is an opportunity to showcase local talent and our agencies," local United Way Executive Director Ann Bax said.
Bax said Barb Prasad, co-chair of the Mid-Missouri's Got Talent Committee, initiated the local spin-off of the popular television show "America's Got Talent" in 2015 as part of that year's "Changing realities" campaign.
Two years later, United Way has continued the tradition, reliving childhood dreams through Disney movies and their never-aging life lessons.
Last year's "Rockin' the '80s" campaign earned more than $4,000 through the Mid-Missouri's Got Talent show.
Unlike previous years, contestants this year are not required to perform acts that relate to the campaign theme in order to ensure a variety of talent, Bax said.
From a pool of 15 video submissions, United Way volunteers narrowed the talent down to six contestants who will star in the show. The volunteer judges making the decisions have expertise in theater and production, Bax said.
The audience can expect performances that include juggling, singing and even sculpting, she said.
Audience members will be able to cast votes by purchasing tickets for their favorite contestant, with one ticket equivalent to one vote.
Even though the contestants are not required to perform a piece on the Disney theme, the four judges will be dressed as their favorite Disney characters.
Melissa Dunn of Huber & Associates will dress as Elsa from "Frozen," Russ Bell of Jefferson Bank will dress as Gaston from "Beauty and the Beast," City Councilman Carlos Graham will dress as the genie from "Aladdin" and Janet Wear-Enloe of St. Mary's Hospital will dress as Cruella de Vil from "101 Dalmatians."
The audience can also look forward to performances from partnering agencies, including Court Appointed Special Advocates, Jefferson City Day Care, Capitol Projects, Homemaker Health Care and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Andrew Dyer, the 2016 talent show winner, will open the show with a toe-tapping performance.
Sam and Silas Luetkemeyer, volunteers at the Special Learning Center, will provide muscial accompaniment throughout the evening.
Tickets are $5 at the door and include hot dogs, chips and beverages. Doors open at 6 p.m.