Since 2002, Wakefield’s Theatre Company has held a singing competition called “You’ve Got It.” Even though the name has changed several times, the concept remains the same. All rounds of the competition will be held at Wakefield High School in the auditorium. Developers and contributors of the production, including teacher Paul Orsett, and a collaboration of students, have worked very hard to make the contest a success this year.

This competition invites kids around the county to express their singing talent to the community. Not only do Wakefield students have the opportunity to showcase their talents, but the entire Wake County community does, too.

“We’ve had kids all the way from Holly Springs, Cary and all over the county come for this competition,” said Orsett. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from [in order to compete], and it’s more inclusive as far as the rest of the county.”

There are three categories that individuals can compete in: elementary school, middle school, and high school. This year there are four elementary school contestants, ten middle school contestants, and eight high school contestants.

Auditions, also called preliminaries, were held on Tuesday, January 27. The contestants sang in front of two judges and the judges decided if students would make it to the next round.

“Those judges will choose the top six out of all the preliminary contestants,” said Orsett. “The top six will come back for semifinals, and be in front of a live audience. However, the audience is just there for support. The judges hone the top six down to the top three. They come back for finals, and we then let the audience choose second and third place.”

The semifinals will be held on February 6 and the finals will be held on February 20.

Orsett, along with those involved in the International Thespian Society, have worked hard to make it all happen. Jade Malka, junior and an ITS member helping coordinate the event, has expressed her excitement for this year’s event.

“Preparing for this event is really fun,” said Malka. “We help make some props for the event and we help prepare the contestants to perform. I love working with the elementary school kids and seeing their talent.”

Another ITS member, Kaleb Gibbs, described his responsibilities in the event.

“I entertain the crowd when the performers aren’t on stage,” said Gibbs. “I also make sure the performers are ready to go on stage. [I’m also involved in] putting the stage together, getting all of the music prepped and ready for everyone as well as learning what has to be said for safety reasons.”

Orsett credits ITS members and the judges for following protocol which helps the event to run smoothly.

“The kids help out tremendously,” said Orsett. “I do a lot of the paperwork and the judges make the decisions.

The judges for preliminaries are Sharon Beach and Wanda Johnson. For semifinals, an additional judge is added to the judge panel, Chris Blyce, from Chatham County.

There are three prizes for each category: $100 for first place, $50 for second, and $25 for third.

“We just try to make this event as fun as possible,” said Orsett. “It’s nice to see the guts of these kids, especially the young ones.”

Last year’s contestant and third place finalist, junior Morgan Forbis, explains what it takes to be successful in this competition.

“It’s nerve-wracking at first, but I think the best way to go about it is to pick a song that you can emotionally relate to,” said Forbis. “Be confident because if you aren’t confident, you aren’t going to do well. If you go out there and think you’re going to mess up, you’re probably going to mess up. Just be confident with yourself and your song choice.”