‘Birmingham’s Got Potential’ set for Sept. 24

Do you have a special talent — even something weird — you’d like to show the world while supporting a good cause?

Then you might want to perform at “Birmingham’s Got Potential” — a variety show inspired by the TV hit “America’s Got Talent” — at Good People Brewing on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

All proceeds will go to a scholarship fund that makes it possible for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities to attend Special Session, a weeklong retreat at Camp McDowell hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, regardless of their financial means.

And the people picking the acts for “Birmingham’s Got Potential” — which will feature local celebrity judges — are open to almost any kind of talent, said Lindsey Mullen, Special Session executive director.

“(Almost) nothing is off limits,” she said.

“We want to celebrate and showcase the unique things that you can do,” Mullen said. “Whether that be a talent for losing your keys, licking your own elbow, rapidly reciting the alphabet backwards, putting lots of grapes in your mouth — it could be anything. Of course, if you’re really good at singing a beautiful opera aria, or juggling chainsaws — talents that most people would consider actual talents — then please submit those as well.”

“Birmingham’s Got Potential” is inspired not just by television but by the 18 talent shows Special Session has hosted through the years at Camp McDowell, Mullen said. 

At those shows, “each camper performs something, anything, in accordance with what he or she has the capability,” she said. “No matter what is performed, the audience offers incredible support — cheering and clapping loudly, making the camper feel loved and adored. We want to bring this sort of silly and supportive energy to ‘Birmingham’s Got Potential.’”

At the Good People event, attendees “can expect an audience that is positive and energized, and talents that will delight and surprise you,” Mullen said, displaying a charming flair for the old “ballyhoo” worthy of P.T. Barnum.

The money raised is important because 70 percent of the adults who take part in Special Session receive financial aid, Mullen said.

“Our goal is that no one is turned away because they can’t pay,” she said.

And the adults who attend Special Session are often overlooked and marginalized in society, so the camp offers them something very important, Mullen said.

“Special Session is a week — for most of our campers, the only week of the year — when they are really seen for all of their talents, and known for who they truly are,” she said. “It’s a week of the world as it should be, a week where everybody gets to be a star.”

Admission is $15, or a $20 admission will include food. To buy tickets or get more information on how to submit a talent, call 530-0685 or go to specialsessionalabama.org. There is also a Facebook event page at “Birmingham’s Got Potential!”