Poet takes her poetry from YouTube to the Morristown stage

This is the first in a series of profiles of the finalists in the Morristown's Got Talent competition to be held Feb. 25.

Ally Are, a receptionist in Morristown, had been looking for an opportunity to test her poetry in front of an audience when someone hung a Morristown's Got Talent audition poster in front of her desk.

"After a couple weeks of staring down the poster I caved in," said Are, 21, of South Orange. "And haven't regretted it yet."

Are auditioned for Morristown's Got Talent by reciting her original poetry, and is now one of 16 finalists.

"Officially" writing since fifth grade, Are started her own YouTube channel, reading her poetry two months ago in an effort to step outside her comfort zone and share her gift.

"I felt that hiding behind a computer screen was a good start, but still wasn't bold enough," said Are, who describes herself as straight-forward but shy. "So here I am on Morristown's Got Talent."

For the show, she plans to perform one of her favorite poems.

Leading up to the show, Are plans to write and pray — and watch some Disney movies if she has the time.

If Are wins the grand prize, she would use the money to take a writing class at the New York Film Academy, https://www.nyfa.edu.

She's already started to save, but said "it costs a pretty penny" to take the class.

"Not to take anything away from the other contestants, but what I'm bringing to the table is different," Are said.

Morristown's Got Talent

What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 25.

Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.

Tickets: On sale Monday at the Mayo center. Tickets also can be purchased by calling 973-539-8008 or online at www.mayoarts.org.