Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, it’s that time again. The annual Missouri Southern Talent Show is back and ready for action with a whole new line-up.

Julie Blackford, director of student activities, said there are some changes ahead for this year’s talent show with the addition of an announcer and more competition among contestants due to more student interest.

There are about 21 students on the roster to perform, compared to last year’s homecoming talent show of about 12-13 contenders. There will, however, be a dress rehearsal that all contestants will be required to attend prior to the show.

“I’m really excited about this year’s show,” Blackford said. “We have a professional emcee that will be running the show this year; her name is Alexandria McHale, so it should be a lot of fun, and this is a really good opportunity to showcase some of the student talent we have and for students to see their student activity fee at work.”

There are individual and group categories with prizes of $200 for first place, $150 for second, $100 for third and $50 for fourth.

“We’re hoping to get people from the community to judge,” Black ford said. “While there are a lot of singers, we also have some unique talent. There is a mime show planned and some stand-up comedy.”

Last year’s first-place winner Jason Edgar, senior speech communication major, believes he has a good chance of winning again this year.

“I plan on doing a comedic interpretation of the complete history of America in 5 minutes,” Edgar said. “So, you’ll see quite a few faces come up.”

Other competitors also plan to liven up the audience.

“I have something planned that is guaranteed to get the audience pumped up,” said Herbert Brown sophomore special education major, about his anticipated vocal medley. “I love to sing and practice every chance I get. I sing in church and at a retirement home every week. I am not really in it for the money but to be around other singers and see other talent. I just want to have fun, and make somebody else happy – to see somebody smile.”

The show will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, in Taylor Auditorium, for those interested in attending.