The Broadway Theatre Project (BTP) is proud to have just completed its 21st consecutive phenomenal three week intensive training program developing key aspects of the Performing Arts and teaching critical life skills for extraordinary theatrical young people on the campus of University of South Florida. Two hundred apprentices from across North America (ages 16 - 26) are taught by a dedicated, talented faculty including the "who's who" of Broadway, Hollywood and the entertainment world. The apprentices were selected from more than 1,250 students of musical theatre held in the winter months in over a dozen major cities.
Artistic Director, visionary and co-founder of BTP Debra McWaters found this year's performers "among the most dedicated, passionate and disciplined ever; it is all due to the young people's amazing determination and unconditional support by their parents. Our faculty provides unique leadership, innovation, risk taking and insight into all styles and teaching environments." McWaters notes the most rewarding comments echoed among the 50 plus faculty members include: "we learn more from the apprentices every year", no doubt this is the world's "most prestigious musical theatre arts educational program for high school and college students" (PLAYBILL MAGAZINE) and "many of these apprentices will actually perform professionally to the delight of highly selective directors and discriminating audiences."
Enhancing the best faculty in 2011 are the following stars, many planning to return in 2012: Terrence Mann (Broadway,"Beauty and the Beast" ), Donna McKechnie (Broadway, "originated Cassie, Chorus Line" ), Garry McQuinn (Broadway Lead Producer, "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert"), Abigail Spencer (TV, "Mad Men", Film, "Aliens and Cowboys" ), Monica Raymond (TV, "Lie to Me" ), Mark Price (Broadway, "Book of Mormon" ), Paddy Huesinger (Film, "Black Swan" ), Tyler Hanes (Broadway, "Sweet Charity" ), Jordan Hunt (National Tour, "Chorus Line" ), Nathan Keen (National Tour, "West Side Story" ), Lynzy Lab (Choreographer and Company Member, ("Houston City Ballet" ), Christopher d'Amboise (Artistic Innovator & Choreographer), and legendary Ben Vereen.
BTP wishes to thank the Arts Media for its continued coverage and excellent features providing a snapshot of behind the scenes activities. The authentic nature of BTP is best shared by an apprentice. The media coverage compilation is listed below with the main focus on the apprentice experience in the following virus free links:
PRINT AND ON-LINE:
The Tampa Tribune (Friday, July 29, 2011)
http://www2.tbo.com/entertainment/arts/2011/jul/28/students-hone-performance-skills-at-broadway-theat-ar-246903/
The Lakeland Ledger: A New York Times publication (Saturday, July 30, 2011)
http://www.theledger.com/article/20110730/NEWS/107305005
St. Pete Times (Saturday, July 30, 2011)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/students-at-usfs-broadway-theatre-project-dream-of-a-life-onstage/1183361
TELEVISION:
TV News Feature: Tampa Bay Channel 10 TV (July 20, 2011)
http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=201919
TV News Feature: Fox News Tampa Bay Channel 13 TV (July 26, 2011)
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/good_day/charleys_world/charley-checks-out-broadway-theatre-project-072611
McWaters is excited to announce the 22nd season of BTP will once again be hosted on the beautiful campus of the University of South Florida, commencing Sunday, July 8 through Sunday, July 29th. 2012 promises to be a magnificent year for BTP, faculty, parents and apprentices. The audition schedule and other important BTP details will be available in the coming weeks on their web site: www.broadwaytheatreproject.com
ABOUT BTP:
Founded in 1991, Broadway Theatre Project (BTP) is under the Artistic Direction of Debra McWaters, as a not-for-profit BTP (a 501c3). It's an intensive three-week training program focused on the key disciplines of musical theatre including acting, dancing, and singing such as ballet, ballroom, clowning, jazz, modern, stage combat, tap, vocal technique and writing, to name a few well as the critical life skills necessary to work in the professional world of entertainment. BTP 2012 will culminate in an exciting three-day festival at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
