From deep within the Sandhills of Fayetteville, the talented folk emerge from their homes, and throw off the drab covers of ordinary life to don the sequined leotards of the stage and reveal to the world their talents in the local competition, Fayetteville Has Talent.

This is the second annual talent competition put on by Cape Fear Regional Theater. It was began as just a way to see the different talent in Fayetteville according to Leslie Flom, the marketing director for Cape Fear Regional Theater.

“Sometimes people just feel more comfortable auditioning for something like this rather than an actual play,” says Flom.

Fayetteville Has Talent is open to people of all ages — open to everyone age eight and up — and according to Flom that’s part of what sets this talent show apart from other shows in the area. Iits contestants are multigenerational and multi-talented.

“There’s no telling what you’ll see with such different performers, said Flom. “Everyone from eight to 55, 56. Well, actually I don’t know how old the oldest adult is.”

For those not actually in the talent show there is still a way for you to come and support your favorite act. This year you can vote for your favorite in the semi-finals as well as the finals, where as last year you could only vote in the finals. Votes count for 40 percent of each competitors score in this competition. Your vote does matter. In fact, it matters a lot.

Tickets for the semifinal eliminations are $10, and votes are $2 each or you can cast three votes for $5. The youth semifi nals will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. and the adults will be on Friday Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. Voting starts at 1 p.m. the day of the competition and you can call (910) 323-4233, which is the number for the Cape Fear Regional Theater Box Office, or you can actually go down to Cape Fear Regional Theater which is located at 1209 Hay St. To pay for votes you can use either credit cards, debit cards or cash.

Finals will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 21. Tickets cost $15, and voting will begin at 11 a.m. that day. Votes are $5 per vote or 5 votes for $20. You can call (910) 323-4234 or visit Cape Fear Regional Theater at 1209 Hay St. to vote for your favorite act.

So even if no one you know is in the show, come on down and observe as the hidden treasures of Fayetteville emerge. According to Flom it’s a fun thing to do, and no one wants to miss a good time.

Remember to bring a few bucks because your votes do matter!