Rules & Regulations

Rules and Regulations

Eligibility

Contestants must live or work in Norfolk County and must be able to provide proof of residence or employment.

For group acts, such as bands or choirs, at least one member must be a Norfolk County resident.

Post-secondary students attending school outside the area may enter if they list a Norfolk County address as their primary residence.

A map showing the geographic boundaries of Norfolk County will be available at audition registration.

Contestants Under 18

Every contestant under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to audition. They must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the audition and, if selected, at the showcase.

Photo Identification and Headshots

Everyone must present photo identification at the audition. For contestants under the age of 16, a parent or legal guardian may confirm the contestant’s identity.

Each contestant must also provide a recent headshot measuring at least 5 × 7 inches. An 8 × 10-inch photo is also accepted. Photos may be black and white or colour and do not need to be professionally taken.

Groups may submit one clear group photo instead of individual headshots. However, every member of the group must still present identification and complete an individual audition form.

Animal Acts

Acts involving animals must bring current veterinary documentation to the audition. Additional paperwork may also be required.

Video Submissions

Contestants must attend the audition in person. A video submission will only be accepted if the act cannot physically be performed at the audition venue, such as an aerial silks performance.

The video must be brought to the audition on a USB drive, along with all required paperwork and photos. Clear picture and sound quality are strongly recommended.

Length of Performances

All performances are limited to a maximum of three minutes.

Any act selected for the showcase that exceeds the three-minute limit will be disqualified. Contestants should edit their music or background tracks before the audition to ensure they meet the time limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to audition?

No. There is no cost to audition.

What must I bring to the audition?

Every contestant must bring photo identification and a recent headshot measuring at least 5 × 7 inches.

Every member of a group must meet these requirements and complete an individual audition form. Groups may provide one clear group photo instead of individual headshots.

How many acts will perform in the live stage show?

A total of 22 acts will be selected for the live stage show.

The showcase will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. on the Lions Auditorium stage at Simcoe Composite School.

Onstage rehearsals will take place earlier that day. Rehearsal times will be scheduled in advance.

Will the showcase judges attend the auditions?

No. Auditions will be evaluated by a panel selected from Norfolk County’s arts community, along with the General Manager, Stage Manager and Technician.

Contestants should perform their audition exactly as they intend to perform at the showcase. Come prepared with energy, personality and a polished performance that does not exceed three minutes.

When will finalists be notified?

All 22 finalists will receive a personal phone call on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Only contestants moving forward to the showcase will be contacted. If you have not heard from Norfolk Has Talent by Wednesday, October 7, you have not been selected.

The administration team will not be able to answer emails or phone calls regarding individual audition results because they are not responsible for judging the acts.

When and where will auditions be held?

There will be one audition venue.

Auditions will take place on September 26 and 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:

Simcoe LegionUpper Hall Meeting Room200 West StreetSimcoe, OntarioN3Y 4K8

Please use the back entrance.

Can I pre-register to guarantee an audition spot?

Yes. Online pre-registration will be available from Monday, August 10 through Sunday, September 6.

The registration form will be posted on the Norfolk Has Talent Facebook page. After your form has been submitted, Norfolk Has Talent will contact you to schedule your audition time.

How long will the audition process take?

The number of people attending cannot be predicted, so contestants should plan their audition day accordingly.

Pre-registered contestants will receive scheduled audition times. All other auditions will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

What if I cannot attend the auditions in person?

You must appear in person at the audition venue to qualify.

You may bring a video submission with you only if your act cannot physically be performed in the audition space, such as an aerial silks performance.

Who may accompany me to the audition?

Family members may accompany you to the audition venue, but only the contestant or participating group will be permitted inside the audition room.

Contestants under the age of 18 must be accompanied to the venue by a parent or legal guardian.

What background music may vocalists use?

Vocalists may audition using recorded instrumental tracks, karaoke tracks containing background vocals but no lead vocals, their own accompanying musician or their own band.

Any musicians or band members accompanying the contestant must also be available to perform at the showcase.

Tracks containing lead vocals are not permitted.

There will not be a show band this year. The same background music rules will apply at the showcase.

What music playback will be available for dance and novelty acts?

A Bluetooth audio system will be provided at the auditions.

Bluetooth will also be the only available method for submitting and playing audio during the live stage show.

Can former Norfolk Has Talent contestants audition again?

Yes. Former contestants may audition again. Previous grand prize winners are the only contestants who may not re-enter.

What prizes are available?

Category prizes will be awarded. Additional prize details will be announced when confirmed.

What equipment will be available for bands and pianists?

Bands must bring their own instruments and equipment.

An 88-key weighted keyboard will be available at the auditions and the live stage show. Full professional lighting and sound production will be provided for the showcase.

What if my novelty act involves dangerous items?

Fire, sharp objects, weapons, explosives and pyrotechnics are not permitted.

Contestants may bring supplemental demonstration material, such as a video, if needed. Some novelty acts, including cycling acts, may need to be evaluated at a separate location.

Magic, juggling, illusion and similar acts may audition at the regular venue.

What will the showcase grand prize be?

The grand prize is dependent on the final event budget and will be announced as soon as it has been confirmed.