**REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.    WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THIS AUDITION,  IF YOU WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONTACT THE PRODUCERS OF "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, PLEASE E-MAIL US AT 21newsnow@wfmj.com.  AGAIN, REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS CLOSED.**

21 WFMJ is holding a video casting call for NBC's hit summer series "America's Got Talent."  The casting call will be held on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at the Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio.  Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Target concourse.

Below is a list of conditions and requirements for all participants.  Please read this information carefully.  If any part of the requirements below are not met, you will not be able to participate in the casting call.

We are also asking all participants to pre-register by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.  This pre-registration will give us a rough idea of how many participants we will have on March 28th.

If you have a question that is not answered below, send it to 21newsnow@wfmj.com.  Make sure you put AGT CASTING CALL in the subject line.

"America's Got Talent" Casting Call Information

* What is the date of the casting call? - Sunday, March 28, 2010 at the Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio.  The casting call will be held in the main concourse of the Eastwood Mall.  Friends and family will be able to see you audition.

* What time does this start and how long will I be there? - The lines may be long. This could be a full day commitment and you may be waiting for a long period of time.  At this point in time, all participants should look at making themselves available from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

* What do I need to bring with me the day of the audition? - Every participant must download and complete the "America's Got Talent" participation/release form.  This form is very important and must be filled out carefully and completely.  If the form is not fill out properly you will not be permitted to audition.  If you are in a group, everyone in the group needs to fill out a participation/release form.  This form must be brought with you the day of the audition.  Click here for the form.

* Identification - All participants will be required to present a photo ID in order to take part in the audition.  Minor participants without a driver's license may use a school ID or acceptable substitute (such as a yearbook page that includes a printed name with photo AND a birth certificate matching the name).  If the minor is too young to have any form of photo ID, then that minor's parent or guardian should present a photo ID and the child's birth certificate that includes the parent's name with the child's name on the certificate.

* How long do I have to perform? - You will be given up to 90 seconds to audition. Please keep in mind that this is YOUR opportunity to show the producers of "America's Got Talent" your talent, so please come prepared. Practice your audition ahead of time so they will see the best and most exciting parts of your performance.  You will be given only one chance at your performance.

*  I am under 18 or I have minors under 18 in my group. What do I need to bring to my audition? - Contestants under 18 must have permission from their parents or legal guardian to audition and must be accompanied by one of their parents or their legal guardian.

All minors attending the audition will be required to present a photo ID. Minor contestants may use a school ID or acceptable substitute (such as a yearbook page that includes a printed name with a photo AND a birth certificate). If the contestant is too young to have a photo ID, the parent or guardian should present a photo ID & the child's birth certificate that includes the parents name with the child's name on the certificate. 

EVERYONE under the age of 18 must have permission from their parents or legal guardian to be at the auditions AND must be accompanied by one parent or guardian. 

* My band or group needs extensive set up time.  Can you accommodate that? - Applicant's that require extensive set up or electrical outlets are asked to bring a videotape/DVD of their audition for consideration. (this eliminates logistical constraints).  You must bring the videotape/DVD and all of the other required paperwork on the day of the audition.  We will not accept them by mail.  Also, you are still limited to 90 seconds on the videotape/DVD.

* My act is an animal act.  Can I still take part? - Applicants with animal acts are asked to bring a videotape/DVD of their audition for consideration.  You must bring the videotape/DVD and all of the other required paperwork on the day of the audition.  We will not accept them by mail.  Also, you are still limited to 90 seconds on the videotape/DVD. You will also need a copy of your inoculation records from your veterinarian, verifying that your animal(s) have all of their current vaccinations.

* My act has fire in it, dangerous weapons, or special rigging. Can I still audition? - We are sorry, but we cannot have fire, swords, or other sharp objects at this venue. Please bring a videotape/DVD of your act if your act does include these elements.  You must bring the videotape/DVD and all of the other required paperwork on the day of the audition.  We will not accept them by mail.  Also, you are still limited to 90 seconds on the videotape/DVD.

* I am a singer. What should I expect? - Generally, singers are asked to sing their one song a capella (without a backing track). We have found that backing tracks overpower vocals and hinder your audition instead of helping it.

However, you may use a backing track if you sing and dance at the same time.  Keep in mind that your background track should be 90 seconds long.  In addition, rappers can use their own beats. Playing an instrument (for example a piano, guitar, etc.) while singing is always allowed.

You have UP TO 90 seconds for your audition, so you do not need to start your song at the beginning. Please pick a section of the song that best shows off your voice.

* My act does original material / I want to do original material. Is that allowed? - If your act uses music (singer, dancer, band, group, musician, variety performer, etc.), we advise you to pick music that is very well known.  Generally the judges and audience respond better to music they know.

However, each act on our show is unique and different and the final decision is up to you.

* Can I bring musical instruments with me to the audition? - Yes. You will be allowed to perform at your audition with your musical instrument, but you WILL NOT be allowed to plug any instrument in, so MAKE SURE IT'S ACOUSTIC or is portable and has a self-contained amplifier.

For those needing a keyboard, we will make reasonable efforts to provide one for you.

If you are in a band and have multiple and/or non-acoustic instruments, we advise you bring a DVD to the audition with all of the required paperwork.

* What type of musical equipment is provided? - Bring your own non-electric instruments. For those needing a keyboard, we will make reasonable efforts to provide one for you.

* What should I wear for my audition? - Dress to impress. You should arrive in the outfit or costume you plan to wear for your audition.

If you are selected to move on in the competition, you will be asked to wear the same outfit for our celebrity judges.

DO NOT wear LOGOs of any kind, including sports teams, designer names, or company logos. Contestants wearing logos will be asked to cover or remove the articles of clothing.

 * What happens after I audition? - 21 WFMJ will send the tapes of all of our local participants on to the producers of "America's Got Talent."  "America's Got Talent" staff then notifies selected acts who will move forward to next interview stage.