HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — It’s time to take the singing out of the shower and into the JC Stephenson Auditorium for the chance to become a star.

The Huntington Symphony Orchestra is calling all vocalists to audition for its inaugural Tri-State’s Got Talent competition. Entry forms must be sent in before Oct. 7. Auditions will start at 1 p.m. Oct. 9 at the JC Stephenson Auditorium at city hall in Huntington.

HSO executive director Hogan Haas said the auditions are a way for individuals to have their talents recognized by the community and it gives them the change to perform publicly. The talent search is also at the heart of the HSO’s mission, he said.

“It’s part of our mission statement to train and have people progress in their talents and work with them,” Haas said. “And to help them become more visible.”

The contestants will audition for a panel of judges comprised of members of The Tribune, The Herald Dispatch, The Ashland Daily Independent and WSAZ. The public may also watch the auditions for a $5 donation to the orchestra.

The top 10 contestants selected by the judges will then be judged by the public using online voting and through the newspapers. Voting will begin Oct. 12 and end Nov. 23.

“(The winner) will get the chance to perform with a nationally recognized orchestra,” Haas said.

The winner will perform at the HSO’s “social event of the holiday season,” Haas said, on Dec. 17. Haas said the holiday concert is a sell-out performance each year.

“They’ll get a lot of attention there,” he said.

Haas also said the winner may be offered other performing opportunities with the orchestra.

There are no cost or age restrictions to audition. Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian present. The competition will use the guidelines and rules of America’s Got Talent. To enter, visit www.huntingtonsymphony.org