BRT Announces $5k StarQuest Winner Justin Ballasy

Bristol Riverside Theatre announces the winners of StarQuest 2010, a search for local amateur talent culminating in a $5,000 cash prize. The grand prize winner was 14 year old Justin Ballasy from Warrington performing a self-choreographed tap dance to Back to the Ground. 16 year old Tyler Scheuer from Newtown was the first runner-up for his act balancing various objects on his nose and chin. Second runner-up Angela Antolino, a 26 year old Levittown resident, sang Vissi d'Arte from Tosca. An honorable mention category was added to recognize the talents of Five Star from Levittown who performed an original dance. Shannon DiMuzio from Croydon captured The Audience Favorite Award for her performance of Second Chance by Shinedown.

The finalists were judged by New York Casting Director Megan Larche, Barbara Whitman, Broadway producer of 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Next to Normal, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Legally Blonde; and Bucks County native Aileen Quinn, who played the title role in the movie Annie.
"It was very exciting to see our theater packed for two days of semi-finalist and finalist rounds representing the incredible talent and commitment to excellence within our local community," said BRT's Artistic Director Keith Baker. "We hope to make this event an annual showcase to encourage the budding stars of our area."

StarQuest 2010 served as BRT's annual fundraiser, and all proceeds raised benefit BRT's artistic and education programs. Since 1986, BRT has brought consistently acclaimed professional theatre to Bucks County and maintained a long-term commitment to finding and developing new plays. The theatre is the recipient of over 50 Barrymore Award nominations for Excellence in Theatre, given annually by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. In addition to its mainstage productions, the theatre serves as a cultural hub for the community, with such programs as children's theatre, community concerts and exhibitions of local visual arts. Currently under the direction of Artistic Director Keith Baker, Founding Director Susan D. Atkinson, and Managing Director, Amy Kaissar, BRT enters its 23rd season. For information, visit www.brtstage.org.

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