Creative Entertainment and Whiplash are sponsoring a musical competition open to anyone who thinks he or she has what it takes to be a star.

The competition is called "Rising Starz" and the winner will get a publishing/distribution deal with an independent record label and will record in a studio alongside producer Mark Berry.

Students may enter in one of three categories depending upon their level of experience with the music scene.

"Making the Superstarz" is open to males and females that believe that they have undiscovered talent. Contestants will be asked to perform two songs from a list of well-known hits to demonstrate their ability.

"Allstarz" is for groups or solo artists who have a specific act or style and do not need any musical guidance.

In order to enter this competition you must have at least three original songs. You can invite judges to see you at a local gig if you choose during the preliminaries.

The last group is "The Next Generation," which is for somewhat-established groups. There are only two spots left in this category, as the other two spots have already been filled by group Desire and solo artist Elise.

Like "Allstarz," "Next Generation" hopefuls must have at least three original songs. A press kit (demo CD or tape, résumé, videotaped performance, picture) will also have to be submitted for those interested in competing with "Allstarz" or "The Next Generation."

The preliminary competition will take place from Sep. 23 to Oct. 31.

During that time students compete to see who gets to make it to the next round. The quarterfinals will be held in the HUB Alumni Hall sometime in November.

Depending on the amount of contestants, the semifinals will then be held at Eisenhower Auditorium, and the finals, to be held in early February, will be narrowed down to two groups, and will likely be at either The Bryce Jordan Center or Eisenhower Auditorium, although that is not yet certain.

All three categories will be judged equally during the semifinals and finals. Music representatives are expected to be present at the semifinals and finals so even if a group does not win, people in the business will still see it.

"Rising Starz" was put together by Tim Baskerville, manager of Creative Entertainment.

Whiplash, a dance team, will help out by performing at the larger competitions.

Creative Entertainment and Whiplash are also involved with fundraisers, such as Believe In Music, a CD of top 40 hits. The proceeds from the CD go to music education in schools.

Creative Entertainment and Whiplash also hope to garner support from other university clubs. Any groups interested in helping to sponsor this event by devoting time or advertising are encouraged. Those who have some sort of musical talent may be judges.

To enter, you must print out a form at www.clubs.psu.edu/creative entertainment and then mail or bring the form to the Creative Entertainment mailbox in the HUB-Robeson Center.

The sign up period will continue through Thursday.

More information about the competition can also be found at the Web site.