Rising Star 5 Competition Continues Into Week 5 With Special Guests Ben Cameron, Joel Waggoner, And Rich Martino

The fifth season of Rise Bar's RISING STAR competition continues September 4th. This week contestants celebrate BROADWAY!

September 4th judges:

Ben Cameron
Ben Cameron is your Broadway Buddy! Ben is a Broadway veteran having appeared in Footloose (original cast), Aida and Wicked. Ben has toured the US and Europe in productions of Footloose, Fame, The Who's Tommy, State Fair and Sweet Charity. He continues to write and direct and choreograph intimate shows for Broadway and cabaret stars at some of NYC's most notable venues. Ben's signature, zany wit has has found him writing for NYMF Inaugural Gala, The Lucille Lortel Awards, Broadways Benefit for Hurricane Relief and more. Ben has served on the faculties of NYU's CAP21 studio and Wagner College and as creative consultant for Mapinspired: The Storytellers' Dance Company. Ben continues to teach dance and theatre workshops and choreograph around the world.

Ben created the long running show Broadway Sessions which currently plays The Laurie Beechman Theatre. Since creating Sessions Ben has become one of the theatre communities most beloved hosts and personalities. Ben served as host of Mostly Sondheim at The Duplex for 5 years (3 time MAC nominee) and hosted countless concerts, benefits and events including BC/EFA's Flea Market Celebrity Autograph Table, Rockers on Broadway, Living For Today, Broadway at The W, NYMF ASCAP/BMI Meet the Composers, Onstage NY Talent Competitions, New York City Dance Alliance National Season Finales (multiple years), The Broken Leg Podcast w/ Tony winner Lena Hall and (drumroll please), Broadway Sessions Beach Party on Fire Island and the ultimate Broadway fan experience- Broadway Con '16 and '17. Ben has also produced web series My Broadway Bar, Dance Captain Dance Attack and Broadway ObSessions. Ben has gone on to host several television events on PBS WNET THIRTEEN including Masterpiece Classic's Downton Abbey New Year's Marathon, Hamilton's America and American Master's Norman Lear doc.

Rich Martino
Rich Martino is the Principal Manager at Whole Artist Management. Having always had a great passion for the arts, Rich has made his mark as a manager, producer and director. As a Producer, Rich has been involved in numerous concerts in and out of New York City. Rich also served as Associate Producer of ACE (Signature Theatre, VA) and held an interest in the 2016 Broadway revival FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (The Broadway Theater). In addition to his work in the theater, for over a decade, Rich served as Vice President of Operations at Fareastco, Inc., a brokerage firm specializing in commodities and Bakery Ingredients. Rich was born and raised in New York and holds a B.A. in History with a concentration in Law from Hofstra University.

Joel Waggoner
Joel Waggoner is currently making his Broadway debut in School of Rock at Stanley/Mr. Williams/Adult Ensemble. He holds an M.F.A. from NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program and currently works as a composer, performer, vocal coach, musical director, and violinist. He originated the role of Storyteller/Violin in Southern Comfort at The Public Theater in March 2016. (Barrington Stage Co., CAP21, NAMT). Musical direction credits include: Broadway Bounty Hunter starring Annie Golden (Barrington Stage Co.)Bernarda Alba (Dir. Graciela Daniele), Dogfight (Pace University), Merrily We Roll Along (Pace University - filmed as a part of the upcoming documentary "The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened" directed by Lonny Price), Matchmaker, Matchmaker, I'(M) Willing To Settle (American Repertory Theatre, NYMF).
Joel served as the Director of Music for the Pace University Musical Theatre BFA Program from 2012-2016. Joel is a private vocal coach for MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions, LLC), a 2012 Dramatist Guild Fellow, and a 2009 ASCAP Max Dreyfus Award Winner.

He is also a founding member of the Musical Theater Factory.

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Singers compete in an 10-week elimination style contest for a $1,000 cash prize and a fully produced, paid solo show at Rise. In addition to the cash and prize package, RISING STAR offers networking opportunities with celebrity judges, fantastic exposure, and valuable live stage experience.

Hosted by actress and comic Emily McNamara (NEWSICAL The Musical, Billy On The Street, HBO's Vinyl). Sound by DJTK.

Industry pros scheduled to appear as judges throughout the competition include Choreographer Shea Sullivan, Christine Dwyer (WICKED), Matt DeAngelis (WAITRESS), Alysha Umphress (ON THE TOWN, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE), Musical Director Brad Simmons (LYSISTRATA JONES, FANCY), Mike Cruz (Whole Artist Management), Rich Martino (Whole Artist Management), Natalie Weiss (American Idol), Entertainment Magazine editor Ryan Brinson (BLEEP MAGAZINE), Pop Star Ari Gold, Paul Caanan (KINKY BOOTS), Sheri Sanders (ROCK THE AUDITION), Ryann Redmond (IF/THEN), Gabe Violett (THE VOICE), Nick Adams (PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT), Telly Leung (ALLEGIANCE), Director Ben Rimalower (PATTI ISSUES), Marty Thomas (XANADU), and more.

The top 12 finalists were chosen from over 60 auditionees:

Ryan Brennan
Cooper/ PhilEsha
Jordy Diaz
Sara Gordon
Kanwulia
Alexander Long
Michael Maricondi
Jay McKenzie
Zöe Tchapraste
Tony Tillman
Vermex Van Croix
Vyra

Last week we said goodbye to Cooper/ PhilEsha, Kanwulia, and Zöe Tchapraste.

This week, one more will be eliminated, and it's all up to YOU!

Showtime 10:30pm. No cover, no minimum. 21 and over.
Rise Bar is at 859 Ninth Ave, New York, New York 10019.