Nashville Theatre Students' Initiative to Host First NYC Showcase

Four Nashville, Tennessee college students have decided to take a leap of faith towards their futures and have begun preparing for a self-produced New York City industry showcase on March 17, 2016. Emily Marie Hughes, Jonah M. Jackson, Dallas James Pritt, and Sarah Katherine Zanotti, are all BFA Musical Theatre and Acting majors, and have formed a student organization and project known as the Nashville Theatre Students' Initiative. The idea came from Pritt who originally attended college in Chicago, Illinois and saw upperclassman creating a showcase, due to that school not providing the opportunity.

Since April of this year, Pritt has been voted in as President/Coordinator of the showcase and is thrilled to help guide and advocate the process. "As our college journey commences, there's a lot of wondering about our futures, and how we can possibly take another step towards our goals and dreams as performers. This felt like the right step, at the right time, with the right people", says Pritt. NTSI's mission is to bridge the gap of academic theatre and professional theatre by maximizing opportunities and creating job-exposure for their senior class. They believe the New York City industry showcase will do just that.

The organization recently released production & creative team members on their Facebook page including, David Alpert (If/Then, The Trip to Bountiful) as Director, Joe Barros (Gigi) as Choreographer, and Shorey Walker (Actors Connection) as Producing Consultant. A music director, performance venue, and showcase partner will be announced at a later date.

Joe Barros, Choreographer, who also recently served as Associate Director on the Broadway-bound musical Beaches, comments, "I am inspired by the passion, sophistication and drive of these students, and am in awe of their many talents. In an industry that is constantly evolving, these students understand versatility, as well as the leadership and persistence it takes to create your own opportunities."

The group plans to raise $4,000 towards showcase costs, and is working tirelessly to get the showcase off the ground, while involved in their University's mainstage productions, alongside coursework and other school obligations. For more information visit, www.Facebook.com/NTSI2016, or to support this group of entrepreneurial artists, visitwww.GoFundMe.com/NTSI2016.

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