I am extremely proud of and thankful for all the students, staff, hosts, editors, and celebrity guests that made "The Lead"possible. I have a a big heart for kids and when we had to cancel our summer camp and summer production due to Covid-19, I knew we had to do something to provide an opportunity for kids in our area to perform (Thank you Children's Theatre Committee- Randa, Kelly, Carly, and Carolyn for supporting and contributing to this little dream of mine). The Lead is a unique competition in which it provides the opportunity for young performers to grow and learn about the audition process.
In the first round, we had 25 entries this year and selected the top twelve highest scores in each category. The coaches scored each student's initial audition based on rubric. The Coaches looked at each entry and judged them based on their own individual performance. Each Coach judged one of the three age groups and then the top four in each category were divided into teams with a coach at the helm. All 25 students received feedback from the judges.
In round 2, the top twelve received one on one education and coaching from their coach. They learned about the audition process, how to select a song for their voice and type, and worked on various techniques neccessary to become a better artist. They were then offered the opportunity to film their final performance at The Civic Theatre with the aid of Todd Tinker, myself, Emily Schafer, and Jerad Dudley. The coaches and volunteers offered their time and talents without any compensation. What a wonderful gift for our Ross County Students!
In round 3, the videos of each of the top twelve were sent all across the country to judges from Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Georgia. The judges ranked each student against each other placing them in order from 1st-12th place. The judges offered video commentary to help our Ross County students become better actors, singers, and to learn how to produce better auditions. Their commentary comes from the heart and with it years of professional experience. Each of the top twelve received commentary from all celebrity judges even though only a few clips appear in our show tonight. I am so thankful to my dear friends for volunteering their time for this competition. I know I would have been honored as youth to have professional actors, directors, and producers take a look at my work. I know all of our students are truly Blessed by this opportunity.
They say Rome wasn't built in a day and boy is that the truth! There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into a competition like this. From registrations (John Manasco), filming, graphic design/Web work (Clint Betz, Marty Ford, Kelly Frailly and Brian Roush) editing the film (Marty Ford), judging, commentary, filing and organizing, coaching, sound/lights ( John, Todd, and Jared), Photography (Emily Schafer)and much more, the team of volunteers have worked hours upon hours to for these students to have these opportunities.
We of course couldn't do it without the sponsors Rivers Edge Orthodonitics, Victoria Schafer Photography, Kathy Alderman, and Cutright and Cutright Law! Thank you! And to the the Civic Theatre Board of Directors, Thank you!
On behalf of the Children's Theatre Wing, I thank everyone that made this possible and appreciate of each of you!
Amanda Betz
Producer/Creator of The Lead
Children's Theatre Director
Chillicothe Civic Theatre
