The West Hollywood Project is hosting a virtual talent show this Thursday. (photo courtesy of West Hollywood Project)

The West Hollywood Project, a public health initiative directed by the Institute for Public Strategies and funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, is hosting a virtual talent show this Thursday.

The “You Got Talent” show is aimed to highlight talent from Los Angeles and surrounding areas – and offers $500, $300 and $200 cash prizes to the first-, second-, and third-place finishers, while any contestant whose video is played during any of the shows will win a gift card.

“I’ve been a part of the West Hollywood Project for almost 6 years, and I’m so excited to be a judge for You Got Talent,” said Sarah Blanch, of the West Hollywood Project. “I love talent of all kinds – singing, dancing, juggling, magic tricks, you name it. Bring on the talent! Can’t wait for this fun event.”

People of any age, who live anywhere in L.A. and surrounding cities, are welcome to audition. Potential contestants can post auditions on their social media platform or send them directly to show manager Alexis Sanchez at asanchez@publicstrategies.org.

The auditions will be shown during Zoom and Facebook live presentations. West Hollywood residents will serve as judges. Their votes will send contestants with the most points to the next round. Several rounds are expected leading to an elimination where winners will be revealed.

“We hope that this event can showcase the talent and resilience we have locally as well as helping people feel connected to their community,” said Sanchez, West Hollywood Project assistant program manager. “Studies have shown that connection to community is an insulating factor against substance use and can help people feel less isolated during this pandemic. I also think it’s important to showcase the talents of people locally to build a sense of pride in ourselves and the people we share space with. With this event and others like it, we can help people have something to look forward to and a chance to uplift themselves and others. In this we can help each other weather the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For information, visit bit.ly/yougottalentweho.