Tony’s Mobile Radiator presents The RAD Talent Search, produced by Oddball Production Company.

The RAD Talent Search gives solo performers, duos, groups and bands from Dawson Creek and across the Peace Region an opportunity to perform in a welcoming, professional and community-focused competition.

Please read these rules carefully before registering. By submitting a registration form or participating in the competition, performers agree to follow these rules and regulations.

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Quick Event Information

Location: GDI Lounge, Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Performance limit: Five minutes per act
Acts per qualifier: Approximately 12
Acts advancing per qualifier: Four
Grand Finale: December 12, 2026

From each qualifying show:

• Three acts will advance based on the judges’ scores.

• One additional act will advance through the Audience Choice vote, determined by audience applause.

 

Show Schedule

• September 19, 2026: Qualifier #1

• October 16, 2026: Qualifier #2

• November 14, 2026: Qualifier #3

• December 12, 2026: Grand Finale

Dates, times or locations may be changed if circumstances require. Registered performers will be notified of any changes as soon as reasonably possible.

 

1. Who Can Enter

• The competition is open to solo performers, duos, groups and bands.

• Performers must be available for their assigned qualifying show.

• Performers who advance must be available for the Grand Finale on December 12, 2026.

• Participants under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian.

• A parent or legal guardian must complete all required consent and media-release forms for a minor.

• Employees and contractors directly involved in organizing the competition may appear as special guests but cannot compete for prizes.

• Judges and members of their immediate households cannot compete.

 

2. Age Categories

Performers will register in one of the following categories:

• Junior: 12 years old and younger

• Youth: 13–17 years old

• Adult: 18 years old and older

For duos, groups or bands containing performers from different age categories, the act will normally be placed in the category of its oldest performing member.

Judges will consider the performers’ ages and experience when evaluating performances.

Oddball Production Company may combine or adjust age categories depending on the number and variety of registrations received.

 

3. Types of Performances

The RAD Talent Search is a music-focused competition. Performances may include:

• Singing

• Instrumental music

• Singing with live instruments

• Original music

• Cover songs

• Approved backing tracks

Lip-syncing is not permitted.

Backing tracks must not contain a lead vocal that replaces the contestant’s live performance. Background or harmony vocals may be permitted when they support—but do not replace—the live performer.

 

4. Song and Content Requirements

All performances must be appropriate for a general community audience.

Performances containing discriminatory, threatening, excessively violent or sexually explicit content will not be permitted.

Oddball Production Company may ask a performer to select a different song if the original choice is considered unsuitable for the event or audience.

Performers are responsible for ensuring they have permission to use their music, backing tracks and other performance materials.

 

5. Performance Length

• Each act will have a maximum of five minutes to perform.

• Each act will normally perform one song during its qualifying show.

• Setup and removal of instruments or equipment must be brief and organized.

• Acts that exceed the time limit may have points deducted or may be stopped by the event team.

• Grand Finale performance requirements will be provided to advancing contestants before the finale.

 

6. Backing Tracks

• Backing tracks must be submitted in the requested digital format by the deadline provided by the organizers.

• Files must be clearly labelled with the performer’s name and song title.

• Performers should bring a backup copy of their track on a USB drive.

• The event team may request a replacement file if a backing track is damaged, incomplete or incompatible with the sound system.

• Last-minute track changes may not be accommodated.

 

7. Instruments and Equipment

The event will provide the main sound system and standard vocal microphones.

Performers are responsible for bringing their own:

• Musical instruments

• Instrument cables

• Tuners

• Pedals

• Adaptors

• Specialized microphones

• Other specialized performance equipment

All equipment must be safe and suitable for use at the venue.

Major equipment needs and technical requirements must be disclosed during registration. Requests submitted after the technical deadline may not be accommodated.

 

8. Registration and Performer Selection

Registration does not automatically guarantee a place in the competition.

Each qualifying show is expected to feature approximately 12 acts. Applications may be reviewed based on:

• Available performance space

• Event suitability

• Technical requirements

• Variety within the show

• Completion of the registration requirements

Registration is not complete until the performer receives confirmation from Oddball Production Company.

Performers may compete in only one qualifying show unless they are invited by the organizers to fill an available space.

All registration information must be accurate. False or misleading information may result in removal from the competition.

 

9. Arrival, Check-In and Sound Check

• Performers must arrive by the check-in time provided by the organizers.

• Participants must attend any required sound check or performer meeting.

• Late arrival may result in the performer losing their scheduled place.

• Performance order will be determined by Oddball Production Company.

• Requests for a particular performance time are not guaranteed.

• Performers must remain available until the results are announced unless prior arrangements have been approved.

 

10. Judging Criteria

The same four judges are expected to participate throughout the competition whenever possible.

Each judge will evaluate the performances using the following criteria:

• Musical ability and overall performance: 30 points

• Stage presence and confidence: 25 points

• Originality or interpretation: 20 points

• Audience connection: 15 points

• Preparation and professionalism: 10 points

Each act may receive a maximum of 100 points from each judge.

Audience connection refers to the performer’s ability to engage and communicate with the audience. It is scored by the judges and is separate from the Audience Choice vote.

Judges must evaluate performers fairly and disclose any personal or professional relationship that could create a conflict of interest.

 

11. Advancement to the Grand Finale

Four different acts will advance from each qualifying show.

Judges’ Selections

The three eligible acts receiving the highest combined judges’ scores will advance to the Grand Finale.

Audience Choice Selection

One additional act will advance based on audience applause.

After the three judges’ selections have been determined, the emcee will invite the audience to applaud for the remaining eligible acts. The act receiving the strongest audience response will receive the Audience Choice position.

An act that has already qualified through the judges’ scores cannot also take the Audience Choice position. This ensures that four different acts advance from each qualifier.

If the audience response is too close to determine a clear winner, the tied eligible acts will take part in a second applause vote.

The event team’s determination of the Audience Choice winner is final.

 

12. Ties and Final Decisions

If two or more acts are tied in the judges’ scoring, the judges will review the tied performances and determine which act advances.

Judges may consider:

• Individual category scores

• Overall performance quality

• Technical execution

• Stage presence

• Preparedness

• Suitability for the Grand Finale

All scoring and advancement decisions are final.

Scores, written comments and judging discussions may be kept confidential at the discretion of Oddball Production Company.

 

13. Withdrawal or Inability to Attend

If an advancing performer withdraws or cannot attend the Grand Finale, Oddball Production Company may invite the next highest-scoring eligible act from that qualifying show.

If the unavailable finalist originally advanced through Audience Choice, the organizers may select another eligible act based on the qualifier results and the circumstances.

Advancement positions cannot be transferred or given to another performer or group.

 

14. Changes to an Act

• A solo performer cannot replace themselves with another performer.

• Bands and groups must identify all members during registration.

• Significant changes to group membership must be approved by Oddball Production Company.

• An advancing act should perform at the Grand Finale with substantially the same members and format used during its qualifier.

• Song changes must be submitted by the deadline provided to finalists.

• Technical or membership changes that significantly alter the act may affect its eligibility.

 

15. Prizes

Prizes may be awarded during the qualifying shows and at the Grand Finale.

The Grand Prize is expected to include a professional recording package. Complete details, scheduling requirements and limitations will be provided to the winner.

Unless otherwise stated:

• Prizes have no cash value.

• Prizes cannot be transferred, exchanged or sold without written approval.

• Recording dates will depend on studio and production availability.

• Winners must claim or schedule their prizes within the timeframe provided.

• A parent or legal guardian must approve prize arrangements for a winner under 18.

• Oddball Production Company may substitute a prize with one of similar value if the original prize becomes unavailable.

 

16. Performer Conduct

All performers, family members, support people and guests must:

• Treat judges, organizers, volunteers, venue staff and other performers respectfully.

• Follow venue policies and instructions from the event team.

• Avoid harassment, bullying, discrimination, threats and disruptive behaviour.

• Avoid interfering with another performer’s preparation or performance.

• Respect backstage, audience and performance areas.

• Refrain from damaging venue, sound or production equipment.

• Conduct themselves safely and professionally.

Serious or repeated misconduct may result in removal from the venue or disqualification from the competition.

 

17. Alcohol, Smoking and Controlled Substances

• All performers and guests must follow GDI Lounge policies and applicable age restrictions.

• Participants under the legal drinking age cannot consume or possess alcohol.

• Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated areas.

• Performers cannot participate while impaired.

• Anyone whose behaviour creates a safety concern may be removed from the event.

 

18. Photography, Video and Media Coverage

The RAD Talent Search will be photographed, filmed and recorded.

Coverage may include:

• Full or partial performances

• Performer interviews

• Backstage and behind-the-scenes footage

• Audience footage

• Photographs

• Audio recordings

• Back Row Bob content

• Peace FM and Chet TV coverage

• Promotional and sponsor content

Approved photographs, audio recordings and video footage may be used to:

• Promote The RAD Talent Search

• Promote Oddball Production Company

• Recognize event sponsors and partners

• Create website and social-media content

• Produce Back Row Bob episodes and interviews

• Support Peace FM or Chet TV coverage

• Promote future editions of the event

Participants may be required to sign a separate media-release form. A parent or legal guardian must sign for performers under 18.

Participation does not guarantee that a performance, interview or recording will be published, broadcast or included in event coverage.

 

19. Privacy

Personal registration information will be used to organize the competition and communicate with participants.

Private contact information will not be published without permission.

The following information may be used for event promotion:

• Performer or group name

• Approved biography

• Approved photographs

• Social-media links

• Song or performance information

• Qualifying and finalist status

 

20. Safety and Personal Property

Performers participate at their own risk and are responsible for their personal belongings and equipment.

Oddball Production Company, Tony’s Mobile Radiator, the venue, sponsors, media partners and event partners are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property.

Performers must tell the organizers about any accessibility, medical, technical or safety needs that could affect their participation.

The following are not permitted without prior written approval:

• Dangerous props

• Weapons or weapon replicas

• Open flames

• Smoke or pyrotechnic effects

• Hazardous materials

• Unsafe electrical equipment

• Activities that could place performers or audience members at risk

All participants must follow instructions from venue, sound, production and safety personnel.

 

21. Cancellations and Schedule Changes

Performers who need to withdraw must notify Oddball Production Company as soon as possible.

Repeated failure to attend without notice may affect eligibility for future Oddball Production Company events.

Oddball Production Company may postpone, relocate or cancel a show because of:

• Severe weather

• Venue problems

• Safety concerns

• Equipment failure

• Insufficient participation

• Illness or emergencies

• Circumstances beyond the organizers’ reasonable control

If a show is postponed, the organizers will make reasonable efforts to provide a replacement date and notify affected performers.

 

22. Disqualification

A performer may be disqualified for:

• Providing false or misleading registration information

• Missing required deadlines without approval

• Failing to attend check-in or sound check

• Violating song or content requirements

• Using unsafe or unapproved equipment

• Harassing, threatening or discriminating against another person

• Participating while impaired

• Attempting to influence a judge improperly

• Damaging property

• Interfering with another performance

• Violating venue policies

• Refusing to follow reasonable event or safety instructions

• Violating these rules and regulations

When appropriate, organizers may provide a warning and an opportunity to correct the issue. Serious conduct or safety violations may result in immediate removal.

 

23. Sponsors and Judging Independence

Sponsors and community partners help make The RAD Talent Search possible, but they do not control the competition results.

Sponsorships, advertising relationships, business connections, purchases or personal relationships will not provide a performer with preferential treatment.

Judges must make their selections using the published judging criteria. The Audience Choice position will be determined separately through audience applause.

 

24. Organizer’s Authority

Oddball Production Company is responsible for interpreting and applying these rules.

The organizers may make reasonable changes when required for:

• Safety

• Fairness

• Production needs

• Venue requirements

• Technical limitations

• Circumstances that were not anticipated when the rules were published

Any important changes affecting registered performers will be communicated as soon as reasonably possible.

 

25. Acceptance of the Rules

By submitting a registration form, performers confirm that they have read, understood and agreed to follow these rules and regulations.

For performers under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also confirm acceptance of the rules and complete all required consent forms.

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Questions about eligibility, performance requirements or these rules should be directed to Oddball Production Company before registration closes.

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Be Bold. Be Heard. Be Discovered.

 

Tony’s Mobile Radiator presents The RAD Talent Search
Produced by Oddball Production Company

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