Encore Theatre Co. Presents BIG FAT CONCERT SERIES, 11/4

Encore Theater Company is pleased to announce it's upcoming ETC'S BIG FAT CONCERT SERIES.  This new concert series will supplement the company's current offerings of opportunities for new musical theatre development.  The concert will feature songs from some of the country's most innovative new writers.  Under the direction of Amy Leigh, the NOVEMBER 4TH concert features songs by Ryan Scott Oliver (recently featured on NBC's THE APPRENTICE), Drama Desk Nominees Joshua Salzman and Ryan Cunningham, local writers Alex Horton and Kelsey Celek, among others.

Encore Theater Company has worked to assist writers in developing new shows through it's mainstage offerings, a developmental reading series and a very popular online podcast.  Most recently ETC's efforts have helped to launch the premieres of Jacob's Pillow, 20something andNext Thing You Know. ETC's Big Fat Concert Series is yet another step in the company's effort to make Dayton, Ohio a Midwestern mecca for New Theatre Development. New York-Based Composer and Drama Desk Nominee Joshua Salzman agrees: "The nurturing and safe environment ETC provides for musical theater writers to hone their craft is essential to the creative process of developing a new musical."

"The great thing about performing these pieces is that they have a great message, speaking to all of the performers in one way or another", says cast member Ray Zupp (University of Evansville BFA graduate and Muse Machine Alumnus). "They are songs from the heart, things the heart always says, but we are unable to speak. These are brilliant new musical theatre writers who deserve to have their voices heard and it is a great honor to perform their music."

When asked about her motivation behind the direction of the concert, director, cast member and participating  composer Amy Leigh says, "Selfishly, I wanted to put this series together because I love the new music that's being written in the musical theater world.  But I've also realized, since I've returned to Dayton, that it's become a hotbed for new musical theater.  Most Dayton-area residents don't realize that ETC, along with the work of people like Kevin Moore and The Human Race Theatre Company, is responsible for turning a spotlight on this area." 

"From the standpoint of a writer, it's really exciting.  Most of the composers involved in this concert series have been so receptive about what we're doing; they seem really hungry for it.  At first it surprised me, because we're doing this in the Midwest, and we don't necessarily have a built-in audience, but as a writer myself, I can definitely understand the enthusiasm.  These songs are songs that anyone can connect to, but they wouldn't normally be heard in a bar or on the radio.  So, we're trying to change things up by singing them in the middle of the Oregon District, and sharing these brand new works with Dayton.  It's an important step for these writers to get their songs heard, and it's exciting for Dayton.  This is the way that new shows are going to get heard."

"I really feel like the material is powerful.  Even if we had zero people show up, this cast of singers is so jazzed up about the songs they're singing, I think these new composers have at least 8 new fans!"

Encore Theater Company is a non-profit theatre company whose mission is the development and presentation of new and rarely-produced works for the American Musical Theatre.  

ETC's Big Fat Concert Series will be performed at Sidebar,in the Oregon District on Thursday, November 4th at 8:30 p.m.  The venue will be open for cocktails at 8:00 p.m.  Early arrival is suggested, as seating is limited.  The concert is free, but donations will be greatly accepted.

Information regarding upcoming auditions and opportunities to participate in ETC's developmental programs and productions, as well as news about the exciting things happening in the world of new musical theater can be found by visitingwww.encoretheatercompany.com or emailing at newmusicalsetc@gmail.com

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