AMC is producing a new series called Road Show. The production will feature small town talent. Eight episodes will be filmed in several areas throughout the country, including Mount Airy in Surry County.

Casting producer of the series, Frank Garrity says local folks of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to attend an upcoming open audition for the show.

“We are looking to meet the locals who people might be surprised to find out that your local baker was an opera singer in college or the town mechanic was a tap dancer at one point, so we want to find these really interesting, compelling people in small town and showcase their talents,” says Garrity.

Garrity says participants will have two minutes to wow the judges.

During the preliminary round, a panel of Hollywood professionals will select four finalists for a second taping of the show later this year. Garrity says the winner will be chosen by the town members watching the show.

The winner will receive $10,000. 

The Surry Arts Council and the Chamber of Commerce are working with producers to coordinate the auditions.

“AMC chose Mount Airy for the filing because they were very familiar with Mayberry and all of its ties to the Andy Griffith show. I also think with Mount Airy being so involved and tied into the old time music and blue grass music. We have several fiddlers conventions held here throughout the year and I also think that played into why we were chosen,” says Jessica Roberts, Director of Tourism and Marketing for the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce.

Roberts says Mount Airy’s hospitality and friendliness to visitors is also a draw. Recently, the film called “You are Here” featuring Owen Wilson was shot in the area. She says small towns in the state are becoming popular backdrops for Hollywood films.

“It’s all types of request coming down the pipeline from the Piedmont Triad Film Commission and they are asking for different things and a lot of times we have them, whether it is an old farm house or silo. Those types of things are becoming non-existent in some areas,” says Roberts.

The competition is open to anyone 18 and over. The auditions will be held Oct. 29 Noon through 7 p.m. at the Andy Griffith Playhouse.

Garrity says interested candidates can sign up in advance by email at frank@kasstinginc.com. They are asked to send a recent photograph, telephone number and brief description of their talent.

The series will debut next spring.