Roswell Showstoppers Get Behind-The-Scenes Look At Broadway

Sign up for the Roswell Patch newsletter!

---

Roswell’s next generation of promising young stars recently had a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a Broadway performer when Roswell Showstoppers Musical Theatre Company traveled to New York City in June. 

Eleven performers, ages 7 to 18, their family members and Showstoppers’ directors Nancy Whitehead and Leslie Kelley hit the Big Apple to take in inspirational shows, workshops and tours.

A program of the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs Department, Showstoppers’ mission is to give talented young performers opportunities to grow their passion by offering them classes in acting, dance, and voice. Trips like this one to New York City, and also yearly workshops in Walt Disney World, enhance the performers’ education and expose them to professional-level experiences.

The NYC tour included a hands-on, behind-the-scenes tour of the New Amsterdam Theatre — where the company also saw a production of “Aladdin” — and learned the history of the theatre and had opportunities to try on costumes and use props.

The company was also treated to a dance workshop through NYC Talent Project, owned by Atlanta’s very own Broadway performer, Michelle Kittrell, who attended Pebble Brook High School. A cast member from the “Aladdin” performance joined them to teach the young performers numbers from the show.

“What a wonderful treat it was for our company to interact with a professional Broadway dancer and have the opportunity to ask questions about what it is like in the ‘biz,’” said Director Nancy Whitehead. “Trips like this offer our young people incredibly unique insight into their passions and understand what might be necessary to obtain their goals.”

Their trip also included a tour of Tricorne, a company that makes costumes for Broadway shows, as well as some movies.

“They watched in amazement as the seamstresses hand-sewed details onto the costumes, cut out patterns, did initial fittings on mannequins. They also had the opportunity to ask questions of the staff,” Whitehead added. “You could see light bulbs go off in the performers’ heads as they realized that there were many facets to the theatre world they had not realized!”

Outside of the Showstopper events, the families had plenty of time to sightsee around NYC, shop and see other shows.

“All in all, the trip was a huge success, full of fun and education,” said Whitehead. “The Showstoppers will be back and a few years from now. Who knows — you may see one of them lighting up the stage as they continue to hone their talents right here in Roswell!”

To learn more about the Roswell Showstoppers Musical Theatre Company or other performing arts programs offered through the city, contact Whitehead at 770-641-3987.

---

Photo credits: Roswell Showstoppers