Performances, movies and dance parties are all on the agenda for Canyon Casting's SummerShow, which will be at the State Theatre for the next two weekends.

The show consists of a variety of segments including the Happy Valley's Got Talent Contest, Rock Fest, the Canyon Shorts Film Festival, a session of Americana music and even a rock theater performance.

The event will start at noon Friday with the Canyon Shorts Film Festival, a collection of short films from local filmmakers, said Jonathan Masorti, casting director for Canyon Casting.

"We're going to show all of State College that there are serious film makers in this town," Masorti said.

The day will continue with an Americana music performance by local singer/songwriter Philip Masorti. Masorti has had recent success on the music scene with his album Father's Eyes, under Apache Records; songs are available for download on amazon.com.

He's "really hit some home runs," Jonathan Masorti, brother of Philip Masorti, said describing his music.

The Happy Valley's Got Talent contest will showcase local talent, much of which includes current Penn State students and alumni. Performers will be judged at 6 p.m. Friday, by a panel of judges that will offer critiques and advice -- much like the similarly named television show.

"It's kind of a spin off of America's Got Talent," said Kristy Cyone, marketing director for the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave.

Happy Valley's Got Talent will feature contestants that have already made it through the auditioning process. Jonathan Masorti said the contest will differ from the television show because the local contestants have already received some coaching.

"We have actually crafted these people to showcase their skills," Jonathan Masorti said.

The contest's panel will include Lisa Price, president of the Price Group Talent Agency. Price said that her group will offer a six-month contract to the winner of the contest.

"That's a big deal," Jonathan Masorti said. "People go all their lives looking for an agent."

The Price Group has represented clients working in Broadway performances such as Mary Poppins, Hairspray and Chicago; in films such as Enchanted and Across the Universe; and in commercials.

Price said that after trying out, the panel offered contestants advice about how to improve their performance.

Like in many other performances, there is a grand finale. Rock Fest -- a battle of the bands event -- will be the final act of the evening, after which the State Theatre will be converted into a dance party, Jonathan Masorti said.