Applications are now being accepted for the 20th annual “Stars of Tomorrow” scholarship program, which celebrates the arts and talents of elementary through first-year college students.

The private auditions with a judge will be held on Oct. 22 from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Cape Coral Cultural Park Theatre. Any student in elementary, middle or high school can fill out an application for the competition, as can first -year college students from Southwest Florida.

Those who are interested can pick up an application at Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., or call Stars of Tomorrow Director June Sommerfield at 239-772-8180.

Sommerfield said if students want to participate in the competition they must fill out the application to enter into the audition.

She encourages participants to turn in their applications as soon as possible; the deadline occurring on Oct. 17.

Auditions will be held for vocal, drama, instrumental and dance. Applicants can enter into more than one talent if they choose.

“They can have all talents if they would like,” she said about the four categories.

Students will have a maximum of three minutes for the two pieces that are required for the audition.

“If they enter into vocal they have to have two songs, in drama they have to have two monologues,” she said.

One of the pieces the student will perform must be classical, the second one can be of their choice. She said they require the two pieces because it provides diversity and an insight of their real talent for the judges.

“The purpose of our show is to encourage the youngsters to perfect their talent to the best of their ability in this age of their life and give them a stepping stone,” she said. “We encourage people and try not to discourage them in any way.”

The competition for the 20th annual “In Stars of Tomorrow” scholarship program will be held on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m.

The winners from those two days will perform in a command performance on Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. and be presented with awards.

The Cape Coral Council for Arts and Humanities will provide first and second place awards to every age group in every competition.

Due to college tuition increasing, Sommerfield said the Council for Arts and Humanities is looking for sponsors, so they can increase the amount provided in scholarship to students this year.

“Kids need help in college,” she said.