Air Force searches for next year’s Tops in Blue team Published Sept. 8, 2006 61st Air Base Wing Services -- Although the Tops in Blue 2006 Tour continues at installations throughout the world, Air Force Entertainment has already initiated its search for talented personnel to comprise the cast and crew of the 2007 Tour. The theme of this year's Tops in Blue recruiting campaign is "Perform Your Duty." It illustrates the mission of Tops in Blue, the Air Force's Expeditionary Entertainers, and the idea that all active duty Air Force personnel are eligible to compete in the 2006 Worldwide Talent Contest that is held Nov. 5-13 at Lackland Air Force Base. The base-level competition of the 2006 Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest has begun. The purpose of this annual talent contest, apart from vying for the coveted "Roger" and "Wilco" awards that are presented to first and second place winners, is to locate the very best singers, dancers, musicians, comedians and dramatists to perform in the Air Force's next Tops in Blue production. Other positions are needed too such as bus drivers; stage, light and sound technicians; wardrobe and costume coordinators; choreographers and vocal assistants. They have a chance to compete in the worldwide competition and possibly earn the opportunity to tour with Tops In Blue. Tops in Blue is an all-Airmen group of performers who put on spectacular shows annually for their fellow military personnel at over 130 installations around the world. These shows are high-energy and fun and require skilled artists who are willing to work hard and play hard. It's easy to enter the local competition. Interested musicians, vocalists, dancers, technicians and drivers at Los Angeles Air Force Base should contact the Community Center at Fort MacArthur, 310-653-8225, or visit www.topsinblue. com to obtain the application kit that, for 2006, consists of a printed audition kit on DVD that includes everything needed to submit an application. This application, along with an entertainer audition tape, can either be sent directly to Headquarters Air Force Services Agency in San Antonio or given to personnel at the Community Center who will forward it to San Antonio. Deadline for applications is Oct. 2. Funding for those selected for the final competition at Lackland will be provided by Air Force Services including permissive TDY, travel and lodging. Staff of the Community Center will assist interested applicants with the preparation of audition tapes or in polishing their acts. Those needing assistance are asked to contact Ms. Stella Harrell or Mr. Melvin Henry at 310-653-8225.