Talents may include (but not limited to) singing, dancing, instrumental music, skits, magic, comedy, NO LIP-SYNCHING.

Participants must be residents of Louisiana. Students attending an in-state higher education institution are allowed.

All participants must return a completed and signed Talent Application form along with the required application fee of $35 and an uploaded video of their talent. The application fee is nonrefundable.

The application process includes an audio/visual submission. Participants must ensure links to their audition video are working.

Video submissions should be no longer than 2 ½ minutes. Bayou Star Search reserves the right to establish maximum and minimums on performance length for the night of the competition.

Initial talent submissions will be judged by a committee to determine whether the talent act will be invited to participate in the Bayou Star Search event on August 16, 2025. The August 16 event judges will not participate in the initial talent screening/selection committee. In all cases, decisions of the talent committee to select participants as well as judges the night of the show are final and will not be open to discussion. The talent material used the night of the show may be the same performance/act used for the initial submission or something different. However, it should be similar in talent type/performance should different material from the submitted application talent be used.

Contestants selected are responsible for providing their track in advance of the event to our production team.

Judging will be based on creativity/originality, skill and level of mastery, audience engagement, stage presence, and overall performance. Bayou Start Search reserves the right to change judging criteria at any time. All selection and judging decisions are final and non-negotiable.

Absolutely no profanity or insensitive subject matter will be permitted. This is a family-friendly show.

Wardrobe must be appropriate for all age groups.

Participants may be disqualified at the sole discretion of judges or Bayou Star Search.

Acts are responsible for their own props and costumes.

All ages are invited to participate. However, acts with any member under 18 must have a written consent from parents/guardians for each of the members who are under 18.

Group submissions are allowed. Potential earnings shall be divided among participants.

There will be prizes given for 1st (10,000 dollars), 2nd (3,000 dollars) and 3rd places (1,000 dollars). Additional prizes (and categories) may be awarded and announced prior the competition.

Participants must own or have permission to use all copyrighted material including music, videos, or art.

Participants are expected to attend rehearsal the day before the show or the day of the show. Participants are expected or should be willing to share marketing for Bayou Star Search on their social media accounts.

Applicants invited by the talent screening committee to participate in the August 16 competition will be informed via phone call, email, and/or package in the mail after the June 30th submission deadline. Please make sure your contact information is accurate in the submission form. Invited participants will be encouraged to share their acceptance announcement on social media and with Bayou Star Search.

Participants will give consent to Bayou Star Search to use their name, image, performance or audition footage, and likeness for current and/or future marketing and promotions.

Bayou Star Search and Louisiana Delta Ballet are not responsible for any damages, theft, losses, or injuries incurred during the contest. Everyone attends and performs at their own risk.

Board members or first degree family members of Board Members of Louisiana Delta Ballet or the show judges shall not participate.

Deadline to submit talent for consideration in the show is June 30, 2025.

Bayou Star Search reserves the right to modify rules and regulations, prizes, deadlines, or any other term or condition of this program, including cancellation of the event.