Representatives from Longwood University Athletics and The Town of Farmville said they are looking forward to potentially showcasing talent in the Heart of Virginia during its Farmville’s Got Talent competition, which will hold its semifinal round on Jan. 15.

Farmville’s Got Talent, an inaugural event hosted by Longwood, will feature members of the community with special skills or talents to compete for a grand prize of $500.

A news release from the Longwood Lancers cited that a committee will select the top eight performers for the semifinal round, who will then perform at Willett Hall on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.

Members of the audience and the committee will then vote for the Top 3 performers to compete in a final round during the Longwood men’s basketball game against Radford University Feb. 24, the release cited.

The deadline to submit applications was Monday.

The contestants during the show, according to Longwood Director of Marketing & Fan Engagement Steve Robertson, will be judged by a panel consisting of representatives from the Town and university.

Judges include Town Manager Gerald Spates, Town Mayor David Whitus, Downtown Farmville Board of Directors Member Eboni Lee, Longwood Director of Athletics Troy Austin and Robertson.

Lee said in a statement she was excited for the talent the participants would showcase at the competition, particularly those whose talents may be more hidden.

“I am most looking forward to seeing what may be hidden talents of members of the community,” Lee said. “We see these people every day and may not even know what they are capable of doing. The surprise of it all just fascinates me!”

She encouraged members of the community to attend to support the contestants.

“It’ll be wonderful to see our community show up in support of the contestants,” Lee said. “This event could be the springboard for someone’s career in entertainment, and it’ll be exciting for all of us to witness. You never know how dreams will come true!”

Robertson said he hopes the event will rally community support and showcase talent.

“We are hoping to show some of Farmville’s Biggest Stars through fun and talented variety acts,” Robertson said in a statement.

The Top-3 finals will compete for the winning slot on Saturday, Feb. 24 at Willet Hall at 3 p.m.