Sixty-three area models and performers have been invited to takeanother step toward possible fame and fortune following a talentsearch here Saturday.

Angie Grant, a talent scout with the Mike Beaty Model and TalentExpo, said 148 people auditioned during the weekend event at theHaven Theater. She said 63 received callbacks Sunday and may attendan orientation session tonight.

The invited participants must decide whether they want to pursuetraining for an Oct. 27-30 event in Dallas, in which they will gainexposure to a wide variety of agents searching for potentialmodels, singers, dancers, actors and others. Grant was unsure howmany would follow through on the opportunity.

“We’ll know a lot more after (today),” Grant said.

The cost for the training is $1,995, which includes assistancewith preparation for the October event. Transportation and lodgingare not included.

Grant said participants will be busy learning techniques,getting resume photos made and assembling a wardrobe. She saidlocal participants will work with Consuelo Oster on theirpreparations.

“They’ll be as ready, as an amateur, as they can be,” Grantsaid.

In selecting people for callbacks, Grant said she consideredtheir ability to immediately enter their field should they bechosen during the October expo.

“That’s the level I would like for them to be on,” Grantsaid.

Grant said there is great talent in the Brookhaven area, withthe strongest segment being young people ages 11 to 16. She wasalso impressed with the level of support the children receive fromtheir parents.

“They really are encouraging,” Grant said.