It’s time for Fairfield residents to dust off their tap shoes and shine their batons.

Fairfield’s artists, dancers and acrobats will soon have a chance to entertain America alongside nationally acclaimed AMC dramas like “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad.”

Fairfield has secured a place in the national spotlight within the space of a week, according to Nancy Morrissey, executive director of the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The major cable network AMC is putting its own spin on the “American Idol” format as it launches “Road Show,” a new documentary-style series celebrating the hidden talents of small-town America.

Morrissey received word Wednesday Fairfield will be one of eight cities featured in the show’s first season. “Road Show” is holding an open audition from 4-8 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center’s Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Morrissey received an unexpected call from a producer from Kassting Inc. for the show last week.

“We talked for a good 45 minutes,” she said. “When we were done, I had this inclination we were going to be picked. We have the diversity, the art, the talent and are just a wonderful Midwestern town.”

Casting producer Sara Zeluff of Kassting Inc. said Fairfield stood out among the 24 cities the network had her look into. She said the strong arts and theater presence in the community and Maharishi University of Management struck her as unique.

“People have so much pride in Fairfield,” she said.

The Fairfield Arts & Convention Center will equip the Sondheim stage with professional lighting and sound equipment to showcase participants’ talent. Zeluff said she will be recording the auditions to submit to the network, who will in turn hold callbacks upon review of the talent.

A panel of “Road Show” judges made up of Hollywood professionals will select finalists and mentor them for a final talent show when they return to Fairfield in December. The winner will be awarded a substantial cash prize.

Morrissey said this is a competition for those with a hidden hobby or skill.

“As I understand it, they’re looking for the local businessperson who also loves to square dance or is part of an entertainment group,” she said.

Zeluff is in the process of reaching out to dance, acting and music schools in town, improv troupes and other local clubs.

She said talents could be as unexpected as the local hula hooping star, caricaturist, karaoke bar star or moms’ club leader. Magicians, jugglers, dancers, singers, comedians, ventriloquists and musicians also are invited to try out.

“Road Show” is scheduled to premiere in the second quarter of 2013.