photo by Tim Hipps/FMWRC PAO Soldiers perform “Jai Ho” from the soundtrack of multiple Oscar Award-winning “Slumdog Millionaire” during rehearsals for the 2009 U.S. Army Soldier Show at Wallace Theater on Fort Belvoir, Va. The Soldier Show is actively seeking new members for the 2010 tour.

If you have talent and can’t wait for American Idol to come to you, the 2010 U.S. Army Soldier Show may be your best bet.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Lynum, the show’s assistant director, said this year’s roster has room for just about any Soldier who possesses desired talents. Lynum is recruiting Fort Bragg Soldiers who sing, dance, rap, roller skate, or do just about anything that can be fit into the 70-minute, high-energy, live-performance traveling show.

“It’s coming down to the wire,” said Lynum. “I’m looking for performers and technicians to get on board with us. Auditions start Feb. 17 and end Feb. 27. Soldiers who want to make the auditions need to get their application packets to me as soon as possible.”

Soldiers interested in this opportunity must have at least 90 days time in service remaining after completion of the 2010 tour, which is scheduled to end Nov. 30. They must also be physically fit for deployment worldwide and meet height and weight standards outlined in accordance with Army Regulation 600-9. A copy of each Soldier’s most recent Army Physical Fitness Test, along with all profiles, must be submitted.

“Soldiers who want to try out with us must also be able to get a Letter of Release from their units,” said Lynum. “That’s probably the biggest challenge because units have a hard time letting people go.”

Lynum explained that some commanders may find it difficult to justify allowing a Soldier to leave a unit to pursue acting, singing or dancing dreams.

“The higher ups need to understand that this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for some of these Soldiers,” explained Lynum, who has been with the Soldier Show since 2008. “Not only that, but this is a show put on by Soldiers, starring Soldiers, for Soldiers.”

If you are interested in submitting an application packet, e-mail Lynum at kevin.lynum@us.army.mil, or call (703) 380-8828.