Blackfriars to Launch Summer Education Program with THE WEDDING SINGER

The Wedding Singer marks the premier of Blackfriars Theatre's Summer Intensive-BTSI (BITSY). Geared towards rising high school juniors through newly graduated college seniors, BTSI allows students to experience a complete rehearsal through performance process in a professionally run community theatre, with the goal of training the next generation of artists.

The program will include both a comprehensive education and performance component. This year Blackfriars will pilot the performance component of BTSI, which offers young artists: actor training, ensemble building skills, and performance experience through the production of The Wedding Singer.

Artistic and Managing Director Danny Hoskins is the driving force behind the program. "When I came on board a year ago, one of my biggest goals was to develop an education program for Blackfriars. I have a deep belief that community arts organizations should be responsible for training the next generation of artists. I'm thrilled Blackfriars is now in a position to be able to see that goal come to fruition."

"This has been made possible by the generous contributions and support of our patrons and donors. We're fortunate so many community members feel that Blackfriars is their home. Now we're opening our doors to students who will one day be future artists, actors, directors, and patrons themselves," articulates new Development Manager Mary Tiballi Hoffman.

"The students bring a fresh and exciting new energy to the company and Blackfriars family. In house we're lovingly referring to it as the (itsy) BTSI as we're only in our pilot year," jokes Hoskins.

The organization hopes to be able to expand the program to include a full day of comprehensive actor training by summer 2018.

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Return to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit film, The Wedding Singer follows Robbie Hart, a wannabe rock star, making ends meet as a wedding singer in 1985 New Jersey. He's the life of the party until his fiancée leaves him at the alter. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. Only she's about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

The cast stars Jake Slater as Robbie Hart, Sophie Scarpulla as Julia Sullivan and features the talents of Katie Buckert as Holly, Madison Fulton as Linda, Tyler Hecht as Sammy, Chris Salvaggio as George, Justin Smith as Glen Guglia, Gemma Vodacek as Rosie, and Alexandra Williams as Angie. The ensemble includes the talents of Justin Burr, Dylan Dougal, Julia Ernst, Melanie McBride, Tommy Rector, Georgia VanRy, and Liam Wicks. Musical direction by Andy Pratt and choreography by Lani Toyama Hoskins.

The Wedding Singer will play at Blackfriars Theatre beginning July 8 and running through July 17. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:00 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 Students (with valid I.D.), $31.50 Seniors (60 and older), $34.50 Regular, and available in person at Blackfriars Theatre, online at www.blackfriars.org, or by calling 585-454-1260. If available, tickets can be purchased at the door beginning one-hour prior to performance. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted at no additional charge.

Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, not-for-profit theatre is located at 795 East Main Street. Parking is available on site. Handicapped seating is available. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, please visit the website at www.blackfriars.org.

Photo by Dan Howell