Hundreds of hopefuls, from ages six to 60, have been turning out to audition for the Mother City's hottest talent show, Cape Town's Got Talent?, currently taking place at Canal Walk Shopping Centre, in association with Good Hope FM.

From boy bands to pantzula dancers, magicians, opera singers, hip hop dancers, presenters, musical theatre actors, dance troupes, comedians and contortionists, all have stepped into the spotlight and given their best in the hopes of being good enough to make it through to the next round and ultimately win the dream prize of R100 000, sponsored by HP.

The open auditions are held every day until 4 July with a maximum of 200 entrants being auditioned daily. The live in-centre auditions, where the public will be able to cheer on their favourite performers, will take place every Saturday from 5 July to 30 August 2008 at 1pm in Canal Walk?s Central Promotions Court.

Panel of experts

Canal Walk is proud to have a highly experienced panel of experts presiding over the weekly audition proceedings and they will decide who does and doesn't make it through after each round.

Carl Isaacs of Shine Creative, is one of South Africa?s top hair and make up stylists who has worked with the likes of Helen Mirren, Natalie Becker, Iman, Gina Athens, Basetsane Khumalo, Kate Bush, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Pam Andrews, Bianca LeGrange and Lebo Matoso.

Carl will be looking at the overall package of the performers ? the look, the style and all those special ingredients that comprise unique star quality. "It is important that contestants focus on the details of their appearance so that they create a first impression, even before the performance begins. Make sure you give out the right message," says Carl.

Alfred Hinkel is among the top echelon of South African choreographers, artistic directors and dance educationalists. His tenure as Artistic Director of the Jazzart Dance Theatre represents one of the most important creative, educational, socio-political careers in the history of South African dance.

"As a choreographer and artistic director my focus will be on the performance, in particular stage presence, audience engagement and entertainment value. Contestants need to be confident. This is a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so each performance should be the best ever!" advises Alfred.

Contestants need to hit all the right notes with Clive Pringle, the founder of Trilogy Music who has performed alongside rock musicians Flat Stanley and Louise Carver and who has opened for Rock band Air Supply. "The musical element of the performance is where I will focus and the criteria I apply centres around how appropriate the song or music choice is, the performer?s voice, ability to project, and stage performance," says Clive.

Comic host Marc Lottering

This highly skilled panel will then select the best acts to go through to the three semi-final events of Cape Town?s Got Talent?, taking place on 24, 25 and 26 September at 7.30pm, with only 30 top acts being selected to go through.

Top South African comic Marc Lottering will be hosting these nail-biting events, so contestants need to ensure that they are at the top of their game! The audience and a panel of celebrity judges will then have the tough job of whittling the 30 semi-finalists down to only twelve contestants for the final round, where there can be only be one winner who will walk away with the grand prize of R100 000.

This show-stopping finale, hosted by Marc, will take place on 27 September at 7.30pm in the Canal Walk Central Promotions Court and is a not-to-be-missed event with all the entertainment, fun and suspense that comes with discovering Cape Town's very best talent.

Those interested in strutting their stuff should register daily from as early as 9am at the Corner Food Court Registration Stand opposite Toys R Us. Entry forms and further information can also be accessed online at www.canalwalk.co.za or collected from one of the Canal Walk Information Desks.