Talented North Port residents get a chance to shine

Last year’s winners brandish their awards at “North Port’s Got Talent.” COURTESY PHOTOS

Over the past two years, more than 50 North Port-based individuals and talent groups have brought their passion and talent to the stage at the annual live event, “North Port’s Got Talent.”

“We’re thrilled to provide a platform where the unique abilities and incredible diversity of talent in our community can shine,” said Recreation Supervisor Dillon George. “Our department strives to promote socially rewarding activities as part of our mission and we are proud to celebrate individuals of all ages.”

Open to all ages and all talent, the third annual show biz event of the season is open for registration and will go live May 4 at the North Port Performing Arts Center.

Kimberly Lencki, North Port’s community Partnership and Engagement manager, explained that there are two divisions tailored to the performers’ training intensity: the Performance Division, ideal for those who train four hours or less per week, and the Competitive Division, designed for performers who dedicate five or more hours weekly to honing their craft. Each division has four categories: Youth (under 18), Youth Group (under 18 with two or more contestants), Adult (over 18) and Adult Group (over 18 with two or more contestants).

“North Port’s Got Talent” contestants wowed the audience in 2023.

The North Port High School Performing Arts Center, also known as “the PAC,” seats 995 people and is the second-largest theater in Sarasota County.

Two masters of ceremonies will be hosting the evening and will keep the audience entertained: Laura Ansel, North Port’s Marketing and Engagement manager, and Devon Poulos, North Port’s Aquatic Center’s manager.

“They’ll dazzle us with their own talents of singing, dancing and jokes throughout the night,” Lencki said.

She also noted that the emcees spend weeks preparing for the evening, which includes wardrobe changes as the evening goes on.

Jacquie Baldelli, a past participant of the show who is performing again this year, presented a “My Body’s in Motion and Belly’s in Motion” act.

“I continue to be so proud of My Body’s in Motion winning first in our category two years in a row, and now this year we are trying for another first-place win!” she said.

Baldelli is going into her third year performing, and said she is thrilled with the entire experience.

“To be on stage was so fun and exciting,” she said. “The city, crew, and all that participated in North Port’s Got Talent were fantastic! I was so proud to showcase my classes and their practicing, dedication and efforts to get on stage and show their talents and love in our classes and each other.”

The post Talented North Port residents get a chance to shine first appeared on Town Chronicle .