A $500 prize for first place is still on the line after the first round of auditions for Moorpark College’s Talent Show.

Natalie Schomas, a Neuroscience and Chemistry major at Moorpark, joked before performing a song about relationships with her guitar.

“I would love to win $500,” said Shomas. “This would be much easier than my desk job.”

Students displayed an array of their talents, from performing original music with various instruments, to singing popular songs. The show is being run by Moorpark College’s Film Television and Media department. FTVM is using their studio resources to craft an “American Idol” style competition. The final competition on April 19 will showcase a final selection of talented students and offer fun entertainment for attendees and viewers on YouTube.

Featuring three Judges and a full production crew of students. The show is giving the Reality Production class a hands-on experience in creating their program from scratch. It also allows students with similar majors to participate in a larger production team and use their skills first hand.

Pat Momanus a student staff worker for the FTVM department highlighted the complexity of what goes into media production.

“This is being a pretty major production, it’s interesting and a lot of fun,” said Momanus. “This being an actual production, it’s a lot more of a setup.”

The production value and work being put in by FTVM staff and students was also noticed by the participants. Before her performance Shomas said that it looked like a fun hands on opportunity for FTVM, and made her want to take the class in the future.

“I think this is super fun and gives the reality production class a chance to make something,” said Shomas.

That excitement was shared by the participants. The hallway outside FTVM’s studio in room 129 of the Communications building was packed with students waiting to perform. Many of them had instruments in hand, and ready use with their performance. When they got to see a real set, crew and cameras some were excited but also nervous. Music Major Nathaniel Deadwylier sang and danced to NSYNC’s “I want you back.”

“I am pumped up and nervous at the same time,” said Deadwylier. “As long as I get my name out there.”

Students have a lot to be excited for with the final competition scheduled for April 19 at 6 p.m. in the Applied Arts building’s forum on campus. The first-place prize of $500, followed by $250 for second and $100 for third are still in the balance and students attending get to vote for the winner.

This event offers something unique for students, acting as a small unconventional scholarship, and something practical for FTVM as they show off their production prowess. FTVM’s final production will be posted on YouTube with a link at MCFTVM.com.