POULSBO — Randy, Paula and Simon won’t be on hand, but in two weeks, North Kitsap High School students will get a unique opportunity to shine on in front of the hometown crowd in Poulsbo.

Following an American Idol format, the “Lights of Broadway” will take the stage as the third competition for North Kitsap High School performing arts students takes place.

The production will feature 10 competitors and three judges, who are responsible for doling out awards for best actor, best actress, best supporting actor and best supporting actress in the Broadway series. Between $3,500 and $5,000 in scholarships will be awarded during the event.

The production is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 12 in the North Kitsap Community Auditorium. Tickets are currently on sale for $10 at Liberty Bay Bookstore in downtown Poulsbo and also at the door. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

NKHS theatre arts director Randy Powell enjoys seeing what students are made of when they’re under the pressure cooker of the public eye.

“The bigger the audience, the better it is. We’re hoping the audience will have a profound effect on the event,” Powell said. “Kids already are nervous, but they’re handling it pretty well. They’re going through their auditions right now. They’re putting it on the line that night (May 12).”

The competition will be challenging for each individual in the contest.

“We don’t provide a choreographer,” Powell said. “They have to choreograph their own number and that’s very difficult.”

Every individual involved in the production boasts significant experience in drama and performing arts.

“Each student is required to have participated in a drama club event during the past year to be part of this performance,” Powell said.

Although he wouldn’t reveal the identities of the judges, he gave some clues and insight about each of the judges backgrounds pertaining to theatre and performing arts. Powell said the judges panel consists of a choreographer, a theatre director and a musical theatre director.