Bright Star Touring Theatre Announces New Executive Team

On Monday, September 26, 2016, Bright Star Touring Theatre launched its new global initiative - a broad vision to move the company into broader national and international markets while building its products across multiple platforms. Toward this effort, Josh Batenhorst and Jeffrey Scott have joined forces with the company to help Bright Star realize its goals.

After participating in ScaleUp WNC, a strategy course for growth minded small businesses led by Mountain Bizworks, Bright Star realized that it could expand its offerings to all 50 states and around the world. A company-wide re-organization led to the hire of Batenhorst and Scott.

Scott, a serial entrepreneur from Boone, NC said, "After getting to know the company a little bit through ScaleUp, I realized that we had a tinder box here that is ready to blow up if given a chance to ignite. With Josh's experience, I think we have the flame to set it off."

Batenhorst comes to the company with a Master's in Business Administration from Wake Forest University and 14+ years of experience in theatre, education and business. "Bright Star is a great startup success story. They have interest coming in from American Schools abroad, the National Parks Service, and all 50 states. I am excited to be a part of this phase."

About Bright Star Touring Theatre - founded by Emmy award winning actor and CEO David Ostergaard in 2003, Bright Star is one of the nation's largest touring theatre company's for young audiences. Producing over 1500 shows per year in 26 states, Bright Star's productions delight teachers, students and parents alike. Shows come with a strong educational message covering a wide variety of topics such as science, social studies, anti-bullying and financial literacy.

Josh Batenhorst of Asheville, NC (COO) has spent over 14 years in the fields of theatre, education and business. His most recent work was with ArtSpace Charter School where he served as Enterprise and Development Manager. Josh is a teaching fellow with the A+ Schools program of the NC Arts Council, a member of the local improv comedy troupe Reasonably Priced Babies, and earned a Master's in Business Administration from Wake Forest in 2015.

Jeffrey Scott of Boone, NC (CFO) has worked for a variety of start up and venture companies. A founder of Startup High Country and Metamorphic Consulting, Jeffrey works with early and mid-stage businesses to help drive innovation, develop growth metrics, establish business practices and design for impact.