Oregon Teen Invited to Broadway Dreams Showcase in New York

Salem's Phoebe Jacobs invited to join some of the world's top, emerging talent in New York City.

You might only know her as "Dorothy Gale," after a breathtaking and stunning performance during this summer's musical production of The Wizard of Oz presented by Enlightened Theatrics. Others know her as the somewhat shy, yet bright, 16 year-old high school student that she is, equipped with strong talent, attitude and poise, alongside a deep passion for performing, theatre, singing and playing her guitar.

Starting with dance recitals, Phoebe Jacobs has taken to the stage since age 5 followed by talent shows, voice recitals, as well as musical and film appearances paired with more than a decade of study in dance, voice and acting.

"Once I started performing, I knew this path is what I wanted," statEd Jacobs. "From performances to competitions and even writing papers in school on the importance of the arts, this is my world."

In 2014, Jacobs stepped up from academic, extracurricular and community theatre roles, taking on a lead role as understudy in Enlightened Theatrics' production of High School Musical. In years following, Jacobs has remained active in her development by participating in local, regional and national voice competitions, Enlightened Theatrics LIVE enlightened theatre camps, as well as Broadway Dreams Foundation's intensive workshops.

This October, Phoebe Jacobs was one of twelve students enrolled in Enlightened Theatrics' Acting Master Class in partnership with Broadway Dreams Foundation. Little did Phoebe know that her captivating monologue from Gilmore Girls would make heads turn and jaws drop. The result: a special, exceptional invite from Broadway Dreams' Executive Director to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

This month, Salem's own Phoebe Jacobs is headed to New York City to work and perform alongside 65 rising stars and students (top 8 percent, globally) nominated by Broadway Dreams Foundation's top faculty, directors and music directors from 8 North American cities (now 9, including Salem), Brazil and Russia. Showcase participants will work alongside Broadway faculty, recreating some of the best numbers from this summer as well presenting new material. Joined by past, current and future faculty members, the showcase offers a unique opportunity to meet and perform with Broadway's best, in addition to special guest rehearsals, masterclass opportunities and more.

3 full days of rehearsal will culminate in the Broadway Dreams New York City Showcase at The Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse of Liberty Center Plaza, on Monday, November 21 at 3:00 p.m.

Historically, Broadway Dreams Foundation has gone to great lengths to ensure as many top industry professionals as possible are in attendance. According to Broadway Dreams Executive Director, Annette Tanner, "At the last showcase, nearly 110 agents, casting directors, producers, choreographers and directors were present to cheer on our students and find new talent."

Dozens of students have secured professional status as a result, including Broadway Dreams Foundation's own Ryan Redmond, who was cast in the Broadway company of Bring It On: The Musical after her Showcase debut.

Tanner continued, "Our mission since day one has always been to provide our students with the highest level of education, mentorship, access and opportunity. Our annual New York Showcase is the practical application of the technique, hard work and dedication students have made to themselves, their craft and the organization." As Broadway Dreams expands its mission outside of the United States, the New York Showcase has become an important part of Broadway Dreams' mission in providing aspiring talent with exposure to industry professionals and the Broadway community. Tanner concluded, "The knowledge, tools, and confidence you will gain will help you become an active participant in this industry."

In 2014, Producing Artistic Director and Founder of Enlightened Theatrics, Vincenzo Meduri, and Broadway Dreams' Director of Creative and Educational Programming, Craig D'Amico, established a relationship that would finally shine a light on a truth about the craft of theatrical arts in Salem - "one can pursue a career in this industry, and still remain true to one's organic individuality in a neutral, accessible atmosphere of relentless support and teamwork," explained D'Amico.

"Broadway Dreams is critical to the success of young and emerging artists," proclaimed Vincenzo Meduri, Enlightened Theatrics' Producing Artistic Director and Founder. "Not only does the program provide top training in all fields of the entertainment industry, it focuses on professional development and provides a networking base for all dreamers to utilize."

Presently, professional venues and entertainment opportunities are notably scarce in Salem and surrounding communities. Meduri cites the founding of Enlightened Theatrics and revitalization of Salem's Historic Grand Theatre as means of raising the bar and filling the void. "Individuals like Phoebe are the reason I am here. Many people who dream of a career in the entertainment industry migrate towards thoughts of immediate stardom and fame. What I'm looking for are aspiring, talented individuals who show up, work hard, take risks and most importantly, enjoy the process. Phoebe loves the process, and it is absolutely infectious. We are very of proud and thrilled that she has been given this amazing opportunity!"

Jacque Jacobs, Phoebe's mother, cited the importance of Enlightened Theatrics and Broadway Dreams enabling more opportunities for emerging artists in Salem. "Both organizations and programs are refreshing, because all they want for their students is growth and the ability to flourish from direction." Jacobs continued, "Phoebe loves their honesty, their purity. She thrives on nothing but hard work and the challenge, and they continue to raise the bar."

Phoebe concluded, "I will walk away from this better than when I entered. I am so excited and thankful to both Enlightened Theatrics and Broadway Dreams Foundation for this opportunity."

Phoebe Jacobs is currently a Junior at West Salem High School, with a vast portfolio of academic, community and professional stage experience including leads in Enlightened Theatrics' productions of High School Musical and The Wizard of Oz. Opening November 10, Jacobs will star as "Ella" in the first weekend of West Salem High School's run of Roger & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Information on showtimes, tickets and more can be found at westsalemhigh.com.

Established in 2006, Broadway Dreams seeks to empower aspiring young artists through performing arts training, with a focus on the acting, voice, and dance disciplines. Program intensives are offered nationally and internationally throughout the year and are led by an exceptional faculty comprised of respected entertainment professionals.

Founded in February 2013 and located within Salem's Historic Grand Theatre, Enlightened Theatrics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization furthering the cultural enrichment of Salem, Oregon by providing professional, accessible and compelling musical theatre experiences and education for all. By delivering the Broadway experience to the Cherry City, Enlightened Theatrics seeks to advance young and emerging theatre artists and breathe new life into the city's cultural, social and economic evolution.

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