Eight acts performed at the Magic Lantern in Bridgton during the recently held semifinals of Lake Region’s Got Talent.

Peter Allen, an actor and board member of Lake Region Community Theatre, emceed the show.

Five distinguished professionals, actress Barbara Stauble, director Jerry Walker, music teacher Jenni Null, director/actress Patti Hibbard and Lake Region Community Theatre board member Laurie Shepard, judged the semifinals.

There was tension in the air as everyone waited for the scores to be tallied.

Finally…drum roll, please. The acts that are advancing to the final competition are the following, in alphabetical order by first name:

• Abbie Vaughn, Brownfield vocalist

• Brianna Warren, Casco dancer

• Kristin Farwell, Laura Taylor and Liza Collins-Schrader, Windham jazz dancers

• Kristin Farwell, Windham dancer

• Liza Collins-Schrader, Windham dancer

• Marissa Morrisette, Windham vocalist

The finalists will compete for a chance to win a share of over $1,000 in cash and prizes, as well as bragging rights, at the Lake Region’s Got Talent Grand Finale on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. at the Magic Lantern. You can help your favorite act win when you cast a ballot.

“This show is our signature event, a unique fundraiser for Lake Region Community Theatre,” said Janet Ver Planck, the group’s president. “The money raised through our third annual Lake Region’s Got Talent show and 50/50 raffle will go to purchasing the rights for our upcoming August production, which we’ll announce next weekend.” Check www.lrctme.org for more information.

Tickets for the final performance are available at the door. Tickets are free for ages 5 and under(non-voting); $5 for ages 6-12; $7 for students and senior citizens; $10 for adults. All of the shows are televised on Lake Region Television after the show dates. Check www.lakeregiontv.org for the schedule.

Abbie Vaughn belts out the lyrics of “Warwick Avenue” during the semifinals of the Lake Region Got Talent contest in Bridgton.