Lawrence, It’s Your Time to Shine!
The Lawrence Community Talent Contest · Saturday, February 27, 2027 · Theatre Lawrence · 7–9 PM
It’s no secret that Lawrence is packed with talent. You’ve seen it at open mics, on street corners and at backyard parties. Now it’s time to take it to the stage.
Can you sing? Dance? Shred a guitar, juggle, tell jokes, or do something so wonderfully weird nobody has a name for it yet? We want to see it. Solo acts, duos and small groups are all welcome, and so are performers of every age.
Five Minutes. Big Prizes.
🥇 First Place: $500
🥈 Second Place: $300
🥉 Third Place: $150
Not bad for five minutes on stage!
And then there’s the Audience Favorite Award. On show night, the crowd votes with their dollars by donating in the name of their favorite act, as many times as they like. The performer who raises the most wins the title and keeps every dollar donated in their name. So bring your fans, your friends and your biggest-hearted relatives. Every other donation goes straight to supporting the festival.
For a Great Cause
This is the first-ever fundraiser for the Lawrence Busker Festival. Like the festival itself, it’s all about bringing the community together for a great time and cheering on the local geniuses in our own neighborhoods. Every ticket and every vote helps keep live street performance thriving in Lawrence.
How to Get on Stage
Apply by January 8, 2027 using the form below.
Audition January 16–17, 2027. We’ll assign your time slot after reviewing your application.
Hear back by January 22, 2027 if you’ve made the show.
Send us your backing track (MP3) by February 15, 2027, if your act uses one.
Join the contestant walkthrough on February 26, then tech rehearsal the afternoon of the show.
Showtime! Saturday, February 27, 2027, 7–9 PM at Theatre Lawrence.
The Quick Rules
It’s a family show. All acts must be clean and appropriate for all ages, including song lyrics and backing tracks.
Five minutes max, though the sweet spot is 3–4. Tight acts win hearts and judges.
Keep it simple. You’ll need to set up in 60 seconds or less. No full bands or drum kits, and no messy props like glitter, confetti or liquids. We’ll provide the sound system, mics, lighting and track playback.
Safety first. No fire, sharp objects or risky stunts.
Under 18? You’re welcome! A parent or guardian just needs to sign your application and come along to auditions and the show.
One act per performer.
Judges score on talent, stage presence, originality and audience appeal. Please read the full Official Rules before you apply. Not sure if your act fits? Just ask us! We’d rather answer a question early than miss out on a great act.
Ready?
🎤 Performers: Apply with the form below.
🎟️ Everyone else: Grab your tickets [HERE] and come cheer on Lawrence’s best!
Questions? Email us at info@lawrencebuskerfest.com or call 913-634-1711.