By Scott Anderson — Youth Theatre Carson City’s Showstoppers show choir traveled to Southern California recently to compete in the Musical Theatre Competitions of America, a national competition, where they performed for Broadway professionals and competed against performing arts schools and studios from all across North America, Guam, Puerto Rico and more, and learned from some of Broadway’s biggest and brightest stars.
The Youth Theatre Carson City Showstoppers earned first place for their 11-minute medley entitled “Growing Pains,” conceived and directed by Andie Wilkerson with musical direction by Briana Valley. “This was the best piece we’ve seen in both days [of competition],” commented one adjudicator. “This really is a testament to you [Wilkerson and Valley] and your direction, and to how well these kids work together as a team.” Additionally, Anna Parussimova earned 3rd place for her 8th Grade Monologue from The Fantasticks; and Benjamin Achoka, Bay Eaton, Nygel Toreson, Jackson Hendee and Kyla Olsen were awarded MTCA scholarships.
The Showstoppers brought home several other honors as well. All 18 performers auditioned against over 1200 other students and many were selected to participate in featured musical numbers in front of the entire convention of over 2000 people at the close of the festival. Bay Eaton was selected for the second year in a row to work with Broadway Veteran Joe Abraham, whose Broadway credits include Hairspray and Disney’s The Little Mermaid in a number from Jagged Little Pill; Kyla Olsen was selected to be featured in a medley from Moulin Rouge directed by Broadway legend Nikki Snelson, whose Broadway credits include Legally Blonde and Sweet Charity, and performed alongside Broadway’s Derek Klena who’s Broadway credits include Wicked, Moulin Rouge, Jagged Little Pill, and Anastasia; Benjamin Achoka, Jackson Hendee, and Aven McColl were all featured in a Head Over Heels production number created by famed Director/Choreographer John Vaughn. Director Andie Wilkerson was recognized for her dedication to Theatre Education and her creative staging and writing.
Above receiving recognition and accolades, the Showstoppers also had the chance to learn alongside the country’s top performers and directors in the field taking master classes in all aspects of Musical Theatre. “I couldn’t be more proud of all our amazing young performers and the hard work they have put into their performances this season,” commented Andie Wilkerson, Youth Theatre Carson City’s Artistic Director. “Not only are they incredibly talented, but they are incredibly kind, driven, enthusiastic and compassionate individuals.”
You can catch the Youth Theatre Carson City Showstoppers as they perform their award-winning pieces and more at YTCC’s Annual Spotlight Awards March 28 at 6pm at the Carson City Community Center. Visit our website www.youththeatrecarsoncity.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
About the Youth Theatre Carson City Showstoppers
The Youth Theatre Carson City Showstoppers are a special group of performers, hand-picked from the most talented, dedicated and enthusiastic members of the Youth Theatre Carson City program. Made up of 18 local young singers, dancers and actors between the ages of 11-18, the Showstoppers tour and compete bringing their love of the arts to their community, and now to a national stage.
About MTCA
Musical Theatre Competitions of America was established in 2005 to provide a competitive and educational event for Musical Theatre students and directors. Over the three-day event, students participated in professional-style auditions, competed with both group and individual performance pieces, took master classes from Broadway professionals and received personalized feedback from industry professionals.
