Whitefish's Summer Camp Transforms Young Performers into Broadway Stars

Whitefish, Montana, is abuzz with the energy of aspiring young performers as the Alpine Theatre Project's Broadway Summer Camp takes center stage. For three weeks, 60 students have been honing their skills, preparing to share the spotlight with seasoned Broadway veterans in a series of captivating concerts.

Unleashing the Potential of the Next Generation of Musical Theater Talents

Tapping into the Rhythm of Broadway

The Whitefish Performing Arts Center was alive with the sound of tapping feet as the summer camp students rehearsed George Gershwin's iconic song, "I Got Rhythm." Under the guidance of Broadway star and camp instructor Meredith Patterson, the young performers were not just singing and acting – they were storytellers, bringing the music to life with their passion and energy."We are not just singers. We are not just actors. We are storytellers," Patterson said, as she encouraged the students to delve into their characters and connect with the emotions of the piece. "Tell this story. Work on those inner monologues. Trouble? I don't mind them. You won't find them because I got star light."

Mentoring the Next Generation of Broadway Stars

For two decades, the Alpine Theatre Project has been bridging the gap between the bright lights of Broadway and the small town of Whitefish. This year, 10 Broadway stars have joined the camp to share their expertise and inspire the next generation of musical theater talents."The students do the opening and closing numbers of the professional 'Stars' show, too," said Cynthia Benkelman, ATP's executive director. "It's really special to see them all together."The collaboration between the Broadway veterans and the summer camp students is a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact it can have on young performers. As they work side by side, the students are not only honing their skills but also gaining invaluable insights into the world of professional theater.

Harmony: A Celebration of Musical Theater Excellence

The culmination of the summer camp's efforts will be the "Harmony: The Broadway Concert Series," a four-night event that will showcase the talents of both the Broadway stars and the student performers."We will have two nights of some of the finest musical theater performances you'll ever see in this area followed by two nights of inspiring performances by students so good, you'll swear they're also professionals," said ATP Artistic Director Betsi Morrison.The "Broadway Stars" concert on August 1-2 will feature the seasoned Broadway performers, while the "Broadway Students" concert on August 3-4 will spotlight the summer camp students. However, the connection between the two groups will be evident, as the students will join the professionals in the opening and closing numbers of the "Stars" show.This unique collaboration is a testament to the power of the Alpine Theatre Project's mission – to bring the magic of Broadway to the heart of Whitefish and inspire the next generation of musical theater artists.