Rotorua's Got Talent: Winner to play Mudtopia, Rhythm and Vines

The Rotorua's Got Talent winner will get the chance to perform on the same stage as the likes of Peking Duk. Photo/Supplied

Rotorua has an impressive history of talented performers and auditions will soon be under way to find another.

The organisers of Rotorua's upcoming Mudtopia Festival have announced Rotorua's Got Talent, with the winner to take the stage not only at Mudtopia in early December but also the Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne later that month.

They will host four hours of two-minute auditions later this month.

Mudtopia Festival co-director Sarah Lewis said there were a few criteria people wanting to audition had to meet.

"People need to be based in the Rotorua region, be non-professional performers and have the ability to deliver a quality and memorable performance, and be available between December 1-3 and 29-31," Lewis said.

She said festival organisers had always wanted to source local talent but were cautious about the usual suspects coming forward.

"This way we hope not to get only singers and bands, but also dancers and people showcasing other forms of performance. People can rock up and do their thing which will be filmed and sent to the respective judges before the winner is announced."

Groups and individuals across dance, music or cultural performance genres are all welcome.

The winner will perform alongside the likes of Shapeshifter, Peking Duk, Anika Moa and Hollie Smith at Mudtopia and will have a 30-minute time slot on the Garden Stage at Rhythm & Vines.

Lewis admitted she was excited about the auditions.

"I'm feeling a little like Simon Cowell," she said. "But I believe the opportunity to perform at Mudtopia and Rhythm & Vines is a big one. Both have large audiences and the winner will get fantastic exposure."

Lewis, Rhythm and Vines founder Hamish Pinkham and a third yet-to-be-announced judge will determine who is given the opportunity. Auditions will be held at the Energy Events Centre on Saturday, November 18, from 1pm.