The Gallo Center Now Accepting VALLEY'S GOT TALENT 2012 Applications

Valley's Got Talent, the popular community talent contest that debuted in 2010 as a fundraiser for the non-profit Gallo Center for the Arts, is now accepting contestant applications for the third annual event.

Conceived as a live stage version of such popular television shows as "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance," Valley's Got Talent is open to any non-professional performer who is at least 10 years old, and ­resides in Stanislaus, Merced, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Tuolumne or Mariposa counties.

Interested applicants can download complete Valley's Got Talent schedule, rules and application at GalloArts.org or pick up a packet at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 4, 2012. There is no cost to enter.

A $1,500 cash prize will be awarded to the Grand Prize winner, with $750 cash prizes going to the winners of Talent Achievement in Vocal, Dance, Instrumental, and Specialty categories. Children's Hospital Central California is sponsoring the Grand Prize, while Varni Brothers 7-Up Bottling Company of Modesto is sponsoring the Vocal Talent Achievement Award.

Co-presented by the Modesto Bee, Valley's Got Talent will be presented in the Mary Stuart Rogers Theater on Friday and Saturday, August 24 & 25. Audience voting will take place during the Friday show and the winners will be announced at the Saturday performance.