Human Race Stephen Schwartz Scholarship Finals Set For April 26

The Human Race Theatre Company has the largest group of finalists in the four-year history of its Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Scholarship - ten high school and college students will be vying for $3,500 in scholarships at The Loft Theatre April 26.

The scholarships were inspired when The Human Race presented the premiere of the famed (for Wicked, Pippin, Godspell and many more) composer's Snapshots in 2007. Unlike some past years, Schwartz won't be able to attend because he's opening a new opera in New York, but, says Human Race Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore "I know he will be here in spirit. Stephen has always encouraged young talent."

The competition is open to high school seniors and college students who are currently or planning on majoring in Musical Theatre and who either live in Montgomery or a contiguous county or attend college in that area. The ten 2011 finalists are:

Blaine Boyd, a Wright State senior
Mimi Klipstine Dick, an Interlochen Arts Academy senior from West Milton
Joanna Draper, an Oakwood High senior
Molly Emerson, a Wright State senior
Bradley Farmer, a Springboro High senior
Alex Finke, a University of Michigan junior from Centerville
Mary Kate O'Neill, a Fairmont High senior
Jamard Richardson, a University of Oklahoma sophomore from Union
Jenyth Rosati, a Wright State junior
LucIan Smith, a Wright State senior

The finals, in which each contestant will perform a Schwartz song and one other musical theatre number, will be hosted by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Neal Gittleman. Julie Spangler will provide musical direction.

An innovation begun last year was so popular it is being repeated this year - the audience as a whole will have one vote, to be added to the judges' votes.

The finals will begin at 7pm on April 26. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and are available by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visiting www.humanracetheatre.org.

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