The Fine Arts Discovery Series kicks off its fundraising event with The Pocono Great Talent Event.

The PGTE will feature two-time American Idol contestant Kendall Phillips as a special performer and guest judge. Phillips joins judges artist Robin Smith, Lorna O'Farrell of the Sherman Theater, and Gil Coronado of CILA LLC Management.Auditions will take place during Stroudfest from 2:30-6 p.m. on Sept. 3, at the Sherman Showcase, 522 Main St., Stroudsburg.All forms of talent can audition."There is so much talent that lies within the Poconos, we want this event to showcase the diversity, and talent within, and give this talent the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience at one of our region's most renowned stages, The Sherman Theater stage," says Coronado.Criteria include that performances are family friendly, and that contestants live in or originate from the Poconos.The top 25 acts selected from the auditions will move onto the Finale Show on Oct. 23 at the Sherman Theater, and compete to win the $1,000 grand prize, a slot at a Sherman Theater Show, and the first act signed on for Shawnee Riverfest.To register for auditions, or to learn more, visit

www.Shermantheater.com