BWW Interviews: PMT Productions Talks Inaugural Production of MIDTOWN LIVE and Gives Insight to What They're About.

I had the chance to meet with the brilliant minds of a new production company in town. Pitch Me This Productions, otherwise known as PMT productions, has their inaugural production MIDTOWN LIVE: A SUMMER CONCERT this August 21-23. I sat down with Founder and musical director Eduardo Guzman, as well as some of PMT's other production staff, Sarah Patterson (Marketing /Communications) and Kyle Crawford, (Auditions/Casting). Together they shared with me some insight on what Pitch Me This Productions is all about.

BWW: What is the main goal of PMT?

PMT: Houston has an excellent theatre scene that is growing and evolving, particularly the performing arts fringe scene. We want to ensure growth of Houston's thriving fringe performing arts scene by connecting talented artists with some of Houston's many unique outlets and performance spaces. With this we will create quality theatre and contribute to the engagement of audiences in an environment that is familiar and culturally Houston.

We focus on combining musical theatre and commercial music because that bridge can allow us to reach a broader scope of audiences as well as offer fresh perspective to current ones.

BWW: It's a bit like paying tribute to Houston?

PMT: It's about paying tribute to and celebrating Houston. We take amazing Houston artists and find great Houston spots to use as venues and we transform them into a celebratory atmosphere for Houston audiences.

BWW: Where did the name Pitch Me This come from?

PMT: We like the concept of pitching an idea. Pitching an idea is great and is an opportunity to present an idea that's being created from nothing but your own inspiration, but then it has to be taken from the pitch to the production itself. The continuing process after a pitch requires time and much more effort and preparation than the pitch itself. It has to be created and then refined. You have to sit back and ask yourself what happens next in order to make this successful. When looking at it this way, a pitch is the very first step that leads to a great performace.

BWW: Tell me about your first production.

PMT: Our inaugural production is called MIDTOWN LIVE: A SUMMER CONCERT and is a musical showcase that will feature Houston based artists performing a combination of musical theatre and popular contemporary music. MIDTOWN LIVE is an easily accessible format that will offer authentic human perspective to musical theatre. There's a first class group of artists that have been working hard in preparing for opening night. They're ready to showcase their vibrant voices and personalities.

BWW: How does MIDTOWN LIVE as your inaugural production tie in with your goal?

PMT: We want PMT to be quality theatre for people that features audience engagement. Theatre should be an experience that the audience is already familiar with. This is why we've created the 55 days of MIDTOWN LIVE on our website. Each day we post some insight about MIDTOWN LIVE'S artists and staff, with things such as profiles, interviews and pictures. It's a way to get to know everyone personally then veil will be lifted and there's no separation between artists and audience. At the end of the day we want it to be about the artists hanging out with the audience and just trying to put on a good show.

Also, by having MIDTOWN LIVE in an unconventional setting such as in Midtown at the Alley Kat Bar and Lounge, we have the ability to create a theatrical atmosphere within Midtown. When this all started they had never had a theatrical performance in their venue. They have such a good space for it so they jumped on the idea of being tied to Houston's theatre scene. By the time MIDTOWN LIVE opens, they will have had a play performed in their space, but we will be the first musical theatre venture. It ties in with our goal by being for Midtown as much as being a part of Midtown.

BWW: You all seem like the best of friends. What's the great thing about working together at PMT Productions?

PMT: Well we bonded over a year ago during Houston's summer Stock and when I decided to start this venture, I already had in mind who I wanted to come on this journey with me [Eduardo]. We're like a family and we hang out a lot. When working together, we believe in team effort, over individual effort. We try to keep the communication channel flowing and open amongst ourselves and we're all willing to invest as much time as needed to get the job done. It's this collaborating effort that will lead us to success.

Be sure to check out their inaugural production of MIDTOWN LIVE, August 21-23 in Midtown at Alley Kat Bar and Lounge. For more information and tickets visit http://www.pitchmethis.com/midtown-live.html.

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