Photo Flash: Broadway Theatre Project Hits 21 Years

 

The Broadway Theatre Project (BTP) is proud to have just completed its 21st consecutive phenomenal three week intensive training program developing key aspects of the Performing Arts and teaching critical life skills for extraordinary theatrical young people on the campus of University of South Florida. Two hundred apprentices from across North America
(ages 16 - 26) are taught by a dedicated, talented faculty including the "who's who" of Broadway, Hollywood and the entertainment world. The apprentices were selected from more than 1,250 students of musical theatre held in the winter months in over a dozen major cities.

Artistic Director, visionary and co-founder of BTP Debra McWaters found this year's performers "among the most dedicated, passionate and disciplined ever; it is all due to the young people's amazing determination and unconditional support by their parents. Our faculty provides unique leadership, innovation, risk taking and insight into all styles and teaching environments." McWaters notes the most rewarding comments echoed among the 50 plus faculty members include: "we learn more from the apprentices every year", no doubt this is the world's "most prestigious musical theatre arts educational program for high school and college students" (PLAYBILL MAGAZINE) and "many of these apprentices will actually perform professionally to the delight of highly selective directors and discriminating audiences."

Enhancing the best faculty in 2011 are the following stars, many planning to return in 2012: Terrence Mann (Broadway,"Beauty and the Beast" ), Donna McKechnie (Broadway, "originated Cassie, Chorus Line" ), Garry McQuinn (Broadway Lead Producer, "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert" ), Abigail Spencer (TV, "Mad Men", Film, "Aliens and Cowboys" ), Monica Raymond (TV, "Lie to Me" ), Mark Price (Broadway, "Book of Mormon" ), Paddy Huesinger (Film, "Black Swan" ), Tyler Hanes (Broadway, "Sweet Charity" ), Jordan Hunt (National Tour, "Chorus Line" ), Nathan Keen (National Tour, "West Side Story" ), Lynzy Lab (Choreographer and Company Member, ("Houston City Ballet" ), Christopher d'Amboise (Artistic Innovator & Choreographer), and legendary Ben Vereen.

BTP wishes to thank the Arts Media for its continued coverage and excellent features providing a snapshot of behind the scenes activities. The authentic nature of BTP is best shared by an apprentice.

McWaters is excited to announce the 22nd season of BTP will once again be hosted on the beautiful campus of the University of South Florida, commencing Sunday, July 8 through Sunday, July 29th. 2012 promises to be a magnificent year for BTP, faculty, parents and apprentices. The audition schedule and other important BTP details will be available in the coming weeks on their web site: www.broadwaytheatreproject.com 

What is BTP?

Founded in 1991, Broadway Theatre Project (BTP) is under the Artistic Direction of Debra McWaters, as a not-for-profit BTP (a 501c3). It's an intensive three-week training program focused on the key disciplines of musical theatre including acting, dancing, and singing such as ballet, ballroom, clowning, jazz, modern, stage combat, tap, vocal technique and writing, to name a few well as the critical life skills necessary to work in the professional world of entertainment. BTP 2012 will culminate in an exciting three-day festival at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
Guest Artists

Past BTP Guest Artists have included entertainment industry luminaries such as Julie Andrews, Jay Binder, Stanley Donen, Savion Glover, Jeff Goldblum, Joel Grey, Gregory Hines, John Kander, Patti LuPone, James Naughton, Bebe Neuwirth, Phylicia Rashad, Tommy Tune, Dudley Moore, Gwen Verdon, Frank Wildhorn and Patrick Wilson, among many others.

Alumni Successes

BTP has successfully prepared and trained numerous apprentices who have performed in more than 70 different Broadway shows and countless films, television shows, national tours and regional theatres around the world. Some recent Broadway successes include: BTP alum Sierra Boggess, who has finished her stint as Ariel in The Little Mermaid and will be starring in the Broadway revival of Master Class this summer; Alums Sara Andreas, Alex Ellis, Aleks Pevec, Kristin Piro and Sarrah Strimel, who are all currently starring in Broadway's Catch Me If You Can; Alums Cameron Adams, Paige Faure Finger, Erica Mansfield and Ryan Watkinson, who are all currently starring in Broadway's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; Alums Jeff Metzler and Josh Buscher, who are both currently starring in Broadway's Priscilla: Queen of the Desert and Ashley Brown, who originated the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway. In addition to the above, this Broadway season two BTP alums had the honor of receiving the coveted Gypsy Robe, which is given to the chorus members with the most Broadway credits. BTP has become the leading workshop stage for new works to take to Broadway and other venues. A full list of alumni successes is available upon request.

Curriculum

Students are chosen from around North America. In residence at the University of South Florida, BTP pursues a mission of providing educational excellence to mold a creative, well-rounded balanced healthy, professional musical theatre performer. Each July, an amazing faculty of approximately 50 working artists teach classes in acting, ballet, ballroom, clowning, jazz, modern, stage combat, tap, vocal technique and writing, to name a few. The curriculum also includes master classes on a diverse range of topics including Acting on Camera, Auditioning, Collaboration, Life on the Road, Getting Started in the Business and College Selection and out of the box workshop sessions like "Everything But The Kitchen Sink", performed this summer.

BTP alum and faculty member Patrick Wilson perhaps says it best when reflecting on BTP: "I always feel like the use of the word Broadway is a moniker people give things, but the caliber of teachers and guest artists at Broadway Theatre Project are the real deal. I am a huge fan of BTP. It prepares the apprentices for a career and that is one of the things that will keep me coming back."

Photo Credit: Julie Busch Branaman, Managing Photographer 83 Degrees

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