The Haywood Arts Regional Theater will give area talent a chance to strut their stuff and win prize money in its first “Haywood’s Got Talent” event in September.

Auditions for the contest will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 and beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 12.

HART is offering a $1,000 top prize for the winner and lesser cash prizes for the runners up in two categories, 15 and under, and 16 and over.

Contestants are not limited to Haywood County, there is no age limit or category restrictions but all contestants must first make it past a screening audition. Everyone from musicians to jugglers and dancers to acrobats are encouraged to audition.

Anyone unable to attend auditions may submit a recorded audition via mail to HART at P.O. Box 1024, Waynesville, N.C., 28786, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or YouTube prior to auditions.

Those who get past the initial audition will part of a semifinal round of performances Sept. 16 and 17 which will be presented as full variety shows on the HART main stage. Each night will feature different performers selected from the prior weeks’ auditions.

The finals will be held on Sept. 23, with winners selected by three guest judges and the audience.

The event is a fundraiser for HART, now in its 26th season. The company presents a year-round schedule of plays and musicals.

For more information, visit www.harttheatre.com.