RBTL's Announces 20th Annual Stars of Tomorrow Recognition Ceremony

RBTL hosted the 20th annual Stars of Tomorrow Recognition Ceremony, presented by Palmer's Direct To You Market, Sponsored by WROC Channel 8, on Thursday, May 10th, at RBTL's Auditorium Theatre in Rochester. Stars of Tomorrow is a program that celebrates high school musical theatre productions in the greater Rochester area in true Tony Award fashion. The ceremony was hosted by WHAM 1180's Joe Lomonaco, and Nicolette Hart, Broadway actress and back-up singer for Bette Midler.

The program is dedicated to supporting the process of growth and learning, encouraging commitment, discipline and teamwork, and recognizing excellence. This innovative program made its debut in the greater Rochester area in 1999, with the main intent of bringing long overdue recognition to the high school musical and its performing arts students. Local high schools with fall and spring productions are invited to participate in the program. Schools are divided into four divisions based on school populations and judges are assigned specific divisions. Areas of concentration are scored, and awards are given to schools or individuals with the highest scores within each category.

This year, 35 local schools from 4 divisions across a 9-county area participated in the Stars of Tomorrow program. During the ceremony, 31 of the schools performed a selection from their high school's musical theatre production, live on the Auditorium Theatre stage. Five schools have participated in the Stars of Tomorrow program all 20 years: Avon, Newark, Marion, Romulus and Warsaw. These five schools were brought on stage and presented with a $1,000 check.

The emphasis of the ceremony focused on student achievement and recognition. Awards were presented for Outstanding Musical Production, Acting Ensemble, Dance Ensemble, Singing Ensemble, Student Orchestra, Production Crew, Leading Actress, Leading Actor, Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor. Recognized schools and students were chosen based on highest point values given by the Stars of Tomorrow Judges who traveled to each high school's production to rate the show.

There will be an additional judging of the leading male and female role award recipients on May 24th at the Auditorium Theatre. In 'American Idol' fashion, the participants will be narrowed down until one leading male and one leading female are selected to represent Rochester, NY in a national competition in New York City in late June; the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA). Visit www.nhsmta.org for details. Beginning Friday, May 11th, log on to the www.rochesterfirst.com Stars of Tomorrow web page to vote for your favorite local performer! Top vote-getter will win a prize pack valued at over $500.

For more information on RBTL's arts-education programs visit www.rbtl.org.