THE search is on for Oxfordshire’s next big thing thanks to a competition that gives talented tenants the chance to shine.

Starcatchers is open to residents of Oxford City Homes or any housing association including A2Dominion, Cataylst Housing Group, Sovereign Vale or Oxford Citizens Housing Association.

Judges are looking for singers, dancers, magicians, jugglers or anyone who can entertain a crowd – and the top prize is £1,000.

But even if you don’t win, organisers said those with star quality would be helped to follow their dream by a team of experts.

The competition follows last year’s Tenants Got Talent event (see video) for housing association residents in Blackbird Leys, which attracted 30 entries.

Organiser Vikki Baker, community involvement co-ordinator at A2 Dominion, said the main aims of Starcatchers were to bring communities together and help nurture talent.

She said: “Lots of people applying for this event would not get the opportunity to go to some of the bigger events or they might be a bit shy.

“This year we’re offering a mentoring service and we have experts in singing, dancing, make up and staging.

“We will follow up with all those who reach the semi-finals to find out what they will go on to and we are working with Oxford and Cherwell Valley College to help people get on to the performing arts course.”

Last year’s event was won by singer Corey Vaughan, nine, from Littlemore, who said: “The event changed my life and I would encourage people to take part in this year’s competition.

“I’ve just landed a role in a play at the New Theatre in Oxford.”

The Henry Newman Primary School pupil wowed the judges with performances of The Jackson Five’s Rockin’ Robin and and stole the show with a version of Michael Jackson’s famous moonwalk.

The closing date for Starcatchers applications is tomorrow.

cburatta@oxfordmail.co.uk

  • GET INVOLVED

Auditions for Starcatchers will be held at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College on Saturday, July 3, and on Saturday, July 10, at The Barn, Blackbird Leys.

The semi-finals and finals will be held at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, July 17, and Saturday, July 24.

For information visit a2dominion.co.uk/starcatchers, call 01865 260529 or email starcatchers@a2dominion.co.uk

But if you think you’re more Simon Cowell than Gareth Gates, hope for stardom is not lost.

Starcatchers is looking for an Oxfordshire resident to join the expert judging panel.

All you have to do is tell the organisers why you are the right person for the job.

You can email nominations and applications to starcatchers@a2dominion.co.uk or call 01865 260529.