IOWA NEWS: Bill Riley Talent Search new program deadline April 1

CLIVE (readMedia) -- The Bill Riley Talent Search and it's presenting sponsor, Hy-Vee, are announceing a new program, the Shining Stars Show. The new program will allow people with special needs, up to age 30, to compete.

The first Shining Stars Show will be 1-6 p.m. May 11 at Iowa Public Television's Maytag Auditorium in Johnston. Twenty participants will spend the afternoon rehearsing. Volunteers and staff will be present to assist the performers and family members. The Shining Stars competition will begin at 5 p.m. The top 10 acts will advance to perform at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 17 on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at the Iowa State Fair.

To apply, participants need to email mollyhawks@outlook.com and/or heathertorpy@gmail.com. The application process will close April 1, and the 20 performers accepted for the May 11 show will be notified by email. Rules can be found at billrileytalentsearch.com.

Bill Riley is excited for this new program to launch. 'I want to thank my friend Dr. Gary Rosberg for planting the seed for this idea and am thrilled to see it take hold,” says Riley.