Most folks harbor a secret rock-star fantasy and wonder what it must be like to stand on stage in front of an audience belting out a song.

So why not learn first hand what it feels like, while also getting a shot at some of the $2,000 in cash and prizes that will be awarded to the Top Female and the Top Male Vocalists, and an overall single winner to be named our "2007 Region Idol"?

Crown Point residents and business owners Phil and Joi Struebig decided three years ago tapping into this collective "celebrity fantasy" could be a great way to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, while also shining a light on some of the talented residents of Northwest Indiana and surrounding areas.

Folks 21 years of age and older with an inkling of vocal talent, a bit of charisma and an extra $25 to drop for the entry fee can get a shot at their own 15 minutes of fame this coming week by auditioning for the third annual "Region Idol" competition.

Two nights of auditions are being held back to back at 7 p.m. April 18 and 19 at the old Hall of Justice on the north side of the downtown square in Crown Point, where the series itself will be held beginning April 27. Alcohol will be available to those 21 and older.

"People can sign up in advance anytime before the auditions at the Hall of Justice, Albert's Jewelers in Munster, Rubino's Music in Merrillville, or at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond," returning Region Idol judge Tracy Koval said.

Idol hopefuls can also download an entry form at www.RegionIdol.com and bring it with them to either audition night along with the $25 entry fee.

The two days of midweek auditions will be done "a cappella-style," Koval said.

"We want to hear who can really sing and the best way is to hear people sing without music. They can sing anything they want to sing for the audition, but it has to be done a cappella."

Returning to judge "Region Idol" for a third year alongside Koval is Marc Malone, dean of student affairs at Ivy Tech, who jokes he got the gig because he looks like "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson.

New to the judge's panel is Mitch Markovitz, who replaces veteran judge John Cain. Markovitz is one of the artists who creates the South Shore Line paintings found throughout the region.

Around 70 audition hopefuls have come out in past years and because there is more promotion this year, Koval anticipates more people than ever.

"I'm expecting over 100," she said. "There are already more advance registrations than in past years."

"My wife and I watch 'American Idol' like everyone else and one night she mentioned that it would be fun and good for the region if we could produce a local version of the show right here for area singers," said Phil Struebig, who co-owns the Hall of Justice and co-produces "Region Idol" with his wife Joi.

"We thought about it for a while and then contacted our good friend Spero Batistatos of the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau and asked him to help us with this idea," Struebig said.

Batistatos has been involved since the beginning, helping to organize local business sponsors. Contributing goods and services this year are longtime sponsors Albert Jewelers, Rubino's Music, and The Post-Tribune, along with new sponsors Christian Rockfest, Speakeasy 220 Restaurant, and Radio One Communications (Z-107 FM).

Batistatos also volunteers his time on stage as the event's celebrity emcee each week.

Once this week's auditions are complete, "Region Idol" will begin April 27 and run each consecutive Friday, beginning at 7 p.m. and lasting until around midnight most weeks. The series of Friday rounds will end "as the schedule demands."

"We didn't want to put the money raised by this event in our own pockets, so we designed it as a charitable event and donate the profits to the Multiple Sclerosis Society (Indiana chapter)," Struebig said.

More than 1,600 individuals with MS currently reside in Northwest Indiana. In the last two years, "Region Idol" has donated more than $20,000 to charitable programs.

The money is raised primarily by door donations.

"It's $5 again this year and that includes coming to see the two audition nights," Koval said.

There are also a limited number of VIP tables for $25 offered each week with all money going to the charity.

"It's addictive just like the TV show," Koval said. "We see the same people coming back week after week to see who gets cut and who stays."

"It really is a very exciting contest," Malone said. "You get a lot of entertainment for $5, along with knowing that while you are having a good time, you are helping a good cause. I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night."

In the past, the majority of the contestants have been between the ages of 21 and 30, but there have been some talented folks in their 40s and 50s who have come out, too.

"In the end, there are two winners and three winning categories," Struebig said. "We have the Top Female Idol and the Top Male Idol, then they compete against each other to become the overall winner of the event."

All three final categories have a prize payoff.

Once the official elimination rounds begin April 27, there will be designated "theme nights" announced and Koval has confirmed that two of them will be "Rat Pack Music Night" and "Motown Night."

While the judges certainly pay close attention to contestants' vocal skills, Malone has stressed they also consider "the whole package" -- personality, appearance and stage presence.

"This is NOT a karaoke contest, so don't just stand there and sing," Malone said. "Get up there and move. Dance, work the stage, plan out a routine. Don't just stand there and sing, get up and entertain us! For the theme nights, get creative and bring a few props or dress in character. My advice is to have fun with it."

IfYouGo

"REGION IDOL 2007" auditions

When: 7 p.m. April 18 and 19

Where: Hall of Justice, 220 S. Main St., Crown Point

Tickets: $5, all ages may attend, 21 and older to enter contest

FYI: (219) 661-1811 or www.RegionIdol.com