Become a 'Seacoast Idol,' Support the Ioka

A $1,000 first prize is up for grabs in this year's "Seacoast Idol 2012" competition, which will benefit an effort to revive Exeter's historic Ioka theater.

Initial auditions will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. at

Singers are asked to bring a CD for their background music. Judges will consider vocal tonality and range, volume and pitch, originality in expression, stage presence, theater moves, connection to audience, marketability, and overall performance.

Qualifiers will then advance to the finals to be held June 10 Exeter Town Hall.

Unlike American Idol, Seacoast Idol contestants can be any age. In past years contestants have ranged in age from 7 to 70.

The first part of the singing competition will be separated by age groups. Winners will be selected from the contestants in the following age groups:

• 17 and under
• 18-39
• 40 and older

The top three will be presented and the "Seacoast Idol" shall win both the title and the grand prize of $1,000. 

Co-hosting this year’s Seacoast Idol will be Dover resident Regan Hartley, who was named Miss New Hampshire 2011.

Proceeds from Seacoast Idol will benefit the Exeter Theater Company, the group trying Exeter's historic Ioka theater.

Tickets for the event are $15 for adults and $10 for students 21 and under.

For more information, contact Sandy Martin at sandym@mfe.com or call 603-778-0822.