Broadway Dreams & Lifetime at Work on Docu-Series Following New York Television Festival Win

The Broadway Dreams Foundation (BDF) announces plans for a LIFETIME network docu-series following their win at the New York Television Festival. The pilot was entered in A&E's independent pilot competition and came out of the festival as the winner of the Lifetime development deal. Watch this two-and-a-half minute long piece on BDF.

The series, under the Working Title Broadway Dreams, was presented at NYTVF by Esotericam Production's Christian Campbell and America Olivo, producer and BDF's executive director Annette Tanner, and executive producer Mike Cassling. The team developed the project with the hopes of bringing the success stories of BDF's students to life for an extended audience.

Actors Christian Campbell (True Detective, Reefer Madness, Big Love) and America Olivo (Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark, Chicago PD) started EsoteriCAM Productions in 2014 and have already delivered a slate of projects that have garnered sales, nominations, and awards. Simply put, EsoteriCAM Productions is a New York-based group of artists, filmmakers, and creatives committed to making shows and content they themselves would love to watch.

The production team plans to film the Broadway Dreams series through BDF's 2016 summer intensive tour, during which the nonprofit organization will travel across North America hosting musical theatre training intensives for aspiring performers. The dates and locations of this tour will be announced upon the opening of the program's registration on December 1, 2015.

The Broadway Dreams docu-series has been in the works since 2012. EsoteriCAM Productions came aboard with Christian Campbell as the show's director, following a visit to one of BDF's weekend workshops in Sacramento. Inspired by the program's success stories and student talent, Campbell's team began filming the show's pilot in 2014. This Lifetime development win comes out of the show's first network pitch.

"This is a docu-series that follows people from all walks of life and varied economic conditions, discovered in the unlikeliest of places, as they pursue a dream they once thought unimaginable," says Campbell of the series. "A fly on the wall perspective of the performing artists process and an examination of why and how any of us pursues a dream no matter what our obstacles or backgrounds. It was a real pleasure to have this vision validated at NYTVF."

"Over the past ten years there have been multiple 'wow' moments where we know these students are the next generation of Broadway Stars," recalls BDF's executive director Annette Tanner. "I have always believed our program and weeklong intensives should be available to a broader audience and the idea of our performances coming together in six short days with a Broadway creative team and these amazing talented students will make for powerful television."

The Broadway Dreams Foundation provides access to musical theatre training, opportunity, and mentorship through its vast network of professional faculty members. BDF's teaching artists include director Stafford Arima (Allegiance), choreographer Spencer Liff (Spring Awakening), Tituss Burgess (The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Matthew Scott (Jersey Boys), Nick Adams (Wicked), BDF alum Ryann Redmond (If/Then), education director Craig D'Amico (Annie Get Your Gun), director Dan Knechgtes (Hairspray at the MUNY), Otis Sallid (Black Nativity), Maxx Reed (Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT), Quentin Earl Darrington (Ragtime), Tyler Hanes (Oklahoma), Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan), Billy Porter (Kinky Boots), Telsey & Co's Rachel Hoffman, and Craig Burns.

The nonprofit organization offers significant scholarships to hundreds of participants each year, ensuring that all qualified students are able to realize their Broadway dreams regardless of their financial status. Past students have gone on to star in the Broadway, Off-Broadway and National Touring companies of If/Then, Bring It On The Musical (Ryann Redmond, Calli Alden), Annie (Gabby Bradbury), The Book of Mormon (Rodney Earl Jackson, Paris Nesbitt), Little Miss Sunshine (Jackson Tanner), Holler if Ya Hear Me (Ariana Groover), The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (Lindsay Roberts), Evita (Katie Huff), Catch Me If You Can (Greg Kamp), Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Harrison D. Leahy) and more.

The Broadway Dreams Foundation's annual showcase, presented by Abbott Downing, will be held on November 23, 2015 at The Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse in The Samuel B. & David Rose Building at 70 Lincoln Center Plaza (165 West 65th Street) New York, New York 10023. At the event, the top student talents from BDF's 2015 season will perform alongside a selection of teaching artists to an audience of casting directors, agents, and industry professionals.

The "Night of Dreams" Gala will take place the following week on November 30, 2015 at Celsius in Bryant Park. "Night of Dreams" will bring together patrons of the arts and Broadway's brightest stars for a festive celebration of the country's premier musical theatre training program. Proceeds will allow BDF to continue to offer high-level educational opportunities, theatrical training, and countless scholarships to deserving students across the country. "Night of Dreams" is generously sponsored by Upsilon Ventures, Alliance Bernstein Global Wealth Management, Celsius at Bryant Park, and RWS & Associates. For ticket information, please contact jarad@mybroadwaydreams.com.

For more information on The Broadway Dreams Foundation, please visit: www.mybroadwaydreams.com.