Alec Mapa to Coach Small-Town Talent in AMC's Showville

Gay actor Alec Mapa has signed on to coach newly discovered talent unearthed by AMC's upcoming reality series Showville. The eight-episode series takes over a new town each week, hosting competitions for local talent of all kinds to showcase their abilities, work with professionals, and vie for the chance to win $10,000.

Mapa will be joined by choreographer Lisette Bustamante in coaching the show's finalists each week to prepare them for a performance at the week's end in front of a live local audience.

"Mapa and Bustamante will be given 48 hours to mentor each town's four finalists in preparation for the 'big show,'" reports Broadway World. "The audience gets to know the finalists and their back-stories as they are coached over two days with he goal of bringing out the best of their abilities. The final competition will take place at a well-known town venue where an audience comprised of locals, including families, friends, and neighbors, will join together and ultimately be responsible for selecting the victor."

Showville will hold open auditions for talent of all ages and abilities in Holland, Mich.; Walla Walla, Wash.; Kingston, R.I.; San Marcos, Texas; Hugo, Okla.; Mount Airy, N.C.; Athens, Ohio; and Fairfield, Iowa. Eight one-hour episodes of Showville are scheduled to air on AMC this spring.