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The big finale of Next On Stage, Broadway's biggest national competition for high school and college students, is almost here! What is Next On Stage? In Spring 2020, when Broadway was dark and student productions across the country were being canceled due to the COVID pandemic, BroadwayWorld saw an opportunity to shine a spotlight on young performers across the country who were otherwise sidelined. Next On Stage was born out of the hope of providing a platform for some of the outstanding talent that will grace the Broadway stages of the future. Since its launch, the series has enjoyed four seasons and showcased the voices of thousands of young people across the country.

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Watch the Finalists:

Macy Bettwieser

"I love the empowering feeling and adrenaline of representing someone else’s life and embodying their emotions. The opportunity to tell someone’s story and create a difference in the way people view their experiences motivates me to always try my best." Learn more about Macy.

 

Patrick Ford

"I love meeting new people, showing off my talent, and learning new skills for different characters." Learn more about Patrick.

 

Emersyn Hunt

"My favorite part of performing is losing myself in the music & story. When I’m on stage, all the stress and anxiety of life fades away. I feel most content and confident in the moments when I’m bringing joy and happiness to people in the audience." Learn more about Emersyn.

 

Gavin Blonda

"Theatre for me is all about the people. It's why I got into it in the first place, and what brings me back time and time again. The connections I've made while creating art in the theatre-sphere are some of those I hold the closest. It's a common language I can speak to anyone I meet, and has even brought me some of my closest friends (all over the world!)" Learn more about Gavin.

 

Kristabel Kenta-Bibi

"I just love making people laugh/smile! Performing is where I am able to do that the most and have the opportunity to fail forward in the process to be a stronger storyteller." Learn more about Kristabel.

 

Elijah V. Ramos

"I love that while I am performing, I am stepping into the shoes of another person and telling a story, while also pursuing my greatest passions: singing, acting, and dancing. I also love the camaraderie of theatre. Being able to have a special bond with your cast, and experiencing true joy and fun with them onstage and off is a feeling like no other." Learn more about Elijah.

 

 

Before they were stars...

They were students just like you! 

Ever wondered how your favorite Broadway stars really got their start on stage? They were high school theatre kids once, too! BroadwayWorld asked Micaela Diamond, Jessica Chastain, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Matthew Morrison, and more to reveal the roles they played in their high school productions. See what they had to say:

 

Judges

 

With extensive credits on Broadway and in film and television, J. Elaine Marcos is known for her comedic timing and scene-stealing roles. She is currently in DRAG: the Musical and last scene in Los Angeles in the revival of Reefer Madness with Kristin Bell. Broadway credits include : Val in A Chorus Line, Lily St. Regis in the revival of Annie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert,  Miss Saigon, Flower Drum Song, Gettin' the Band Back Together, Wonderful Town, Sweet Charity, The Wedding Singer. Abroad, J. Elaine starred in the new Maltby/Shire musical Waterfall in Bangkok. J. Elaine also travels extensively teaching abroad and is a proud AMDA Alumna. @jelainemarcos

Lesli Margherita is an Olivier Award winner for her West End debut as Inez in ZORRO THE MUSICAL. Lesli made her Broadway debut originating the role of Mrs. Wormwood in MATILDA THE MUSICAL. After over 1000 performances, she bid farewell to the Broadway company of Matilda and crossed the street to The Helen Hayes to star as the diva Mona Kent in Broadway's DAMES AT SEA. Lesli later returned to MATILDA to close out its Broadway run. Off-Broadway, Lesli starred as Princess in EMOJILAND and Cindy Lou Who in the one woman tour-de-force WHO'S HOLIDAY. She will next be seen on Broadway as 'Tessie Tura' in Gypsy.

Kyle Taylor Parker has worked on Broadway in the original casts of Kinky Boots and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His other theatre credits include: The off Broadway revival of Smokey Joe's Cafe,  Finnian's Rainbow, regional productions of Dreamgirls,  Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert on NBC. Combining his love of show tunes and soul music on his solo recording debut, Kyle's Broadway Soul, Vol. 1 arrived on Broadway Records in 2019, followed by Broadway Soul, Vol. 2 in 2021. 

Courtney Reed is best known for originating the role of ‘Princess Jasmine’ in Disney's smash Broadway hit Aladdin, in which she received a Grammy Nomination. She most recently starred in Moulin Rouge! as the Sparkling Diamond on Broadway- a role  which she originated on the first national tour. Pre-pandemic she was seen in Lauren Yee’s award winning play Cambodian Rock Band at The Signature Theatre. She also had the honor of being a part of the closing company of the Tony Award Winning Musical In The Heights, in which she played ‘Carla,’ u/s ‘Nina’ and ‘Vanessa.’ She made her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! Favorite Regional: ‘Andrea’ in Once on This Island at Papermill Playhouse directed by Thomas Kail. Television: Liza on Demand, Search Party, The Affair, Law & Order: SVU, White Collar, NYC 22, and CSI: NY. Courtney is also a proud co-producer of Disney Princess the Concert that can be seen all over the world.

Kate Rockwell starred as the original Karen Smith in Mean Girls: The Musical at the August Wilson Theater, which garnered her a Drama Desk Nomination. A natural brunette, her previous Broadway dumb blondes include originating the role of Skylar in Bring It On: The Musical, as well as roles in Rock of Ages, Hair, and Legally Blonde. She’s been seen recently as Anna on Amazon Prime’s Harlem and Nina Bennett on Fox’s Almost Family, and on Blue Bloods, High Maintenance, Deadbeat, and Sex and the City: the Movie. Some select regional theater highlights include Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (Muny), Carrie Piperidge in Carousel (Arena Stages), Belle in Beauty and the Beast (Muny), and Mabel Normand in the world premiere of Hollywood (La Jolla Playhouse). Rockwell released her debut solo album, Back To My Roots, in 2018 on Broadway Records, and has performed her solo concert by the same name at Birdland Jazz Club, City Winery, and other venues in NYC. She is a WSET-certified wine lover and mama to her two-legged and a four legged kids. 

Michael James Scott is best known for and is currently the longest running Genie in
Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. He’s also played the role Internationally in London, the North American Tour and originating it in the Australian Production for which he won the prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. He’s also known for originating the role of the Minstrel on Broadway in Something Rotten and originating Dr. Gotswana (aka The Maggots Guy) in the Tony-winning phenomenon The Book of Mormon. Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia, Tarzan, All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Elf, and Hair. On the West End, he was the associate choreographer and performed in the Broadway revival transfer of Hair. Off-Broadway, co-starring in Here’s to the Public opposite Donna McKechnie, and was also part of the concert cast of Jerry Springer: The Opera at Carnegie Hall. He was the standby for the legendary Ben Vereen in the Int. tour of Fosse, taking over the role in Paris, France at the Thé â tre du Châ telet. Outside NYC, original Las Vegas Co. of Jersey Boys and in Shrek the Musical as the Donkey at the famous St. Louis Muny. MichaelJamesScott.com
(Instagram/Twitter @iamMJScott)
 

About BroadwayWorld:

Wisdom Digital Media Publishing launched in 2001 and its flagship site, BroadwayWorld.com, in 2003. BroadwayWorld is the largest theatre site on the internet, covering Broadway, the West End and beyond to 100 US cities, 45 countries and in 12 languages worldwide. With over six million monthly visitors, BroadwayWorld delivers complete up-to-the-minute Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional theatre news, in-depth interviews, extraordinary photo coverage, entertaining video features, lively message boards, ticket discounts, reviews, and more.

As an industry leader in all things live entertainment, the site's coverage includes TV, film, streaming, movies, music, concerts, opera, dance, classical music and more with exclusive features for industry professionals and ticket-buyers.

In 2020, the site unveiled a major redesign, and launched numerous new businesses including the Theatre Shop, Online Education, BroadwayWorld Research, Industry Pro and more. During the Broadway shutdown, the site continued to light a path with several new features including Next on Stage, Living Room Concerts, broadcasting Stars in the House, Backstage Live with Richard Ridge, brainteasers & more reaching record site traffic, supporting charities and spotlighting artists and organizations.

In May of 2023, the site celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a massive redesign and a star-studded celebration at Sony Hall, benefitting our longtime friends and collaborators at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS - hosted by Chita Rivera and Richard Ridge and featuring performances by Tony, Emmy and Grammy-winning stars of stage and screen. At the event, New York City's Mayor, Eric Adams officially proclaimed May 21, 2023 as BroadwayWorld Day.

About AMDA:

For 60 years, AMDA College of the Performing Arts has been recognized throughout the industry for its rich history and tradition of launching some of the most successful careers in theatre, film, television, and new media. With campuses in Los Angeles and New York City, AMDA provides unparalleled education and training for the aspiring actor, dancer, singer, versatile artist, and beyond. Learn more at https://www.amda.edu.

Sponsors:

Music Theatre International

Music Theatre International is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. MTI’s serves over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide.

54 Below

54 Below, a recipient of the 2022 TONY AWARDS Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve the music of Broadway and expand the art of the cabaret while growing opportunities for diverse communities of emerging and established artists and providing unparalleled audience experiences.

Hotel Belleclaire

A Beaux-Arts Landmark Hotel on the Upper West Side nestled on a prominent corner along tree-lined Broadway and 77th Street, Hotel Belleclaire offers a classic New York City stay in the heart of the Upper West Side. Blending timeless elegance with modern comfort, Hotel Belleclaire has been woven into the fabric of the NYC since its opening in 1903. Celebrated as a historic architectural landmark, Hotel Belleclaire is home to Mille-Feuille French Bakery Cafe and Allure Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge.

The Westin New York at Times Square

The Westin New York at Times Square, a luxurious AAA Four Diamond ranked hotel, is at the crossroads of the world with a coveted W. 43rd Street address amid the brilliance of Broadway.  The hotel is within walking distance to over three dozen theatres and many famous New York City attractions, with nearby subway access making the rest of the city easily accessible.  All 873 Westin New York at Times Square hotel rooms and suites, touted amongst the largest in NYC, feature the luxurious Westin Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath, with incredible views of the city skyline and the Hudson River. Its duo of presidential suites, atop the hotel on the 44th and 45th floors, are sprawling at 1,800-plus square feet and feature a marble entry way, breathtaking views, butler's pantry, dining room, living room with entertainment system, Whirlpool and a separate bedroom. The hotel features Foundry Kitchen & Bar, a sought after spot for creative cocktails and delicious bites, overlooking Eighth Avenue. It is the perfect place to gather and unwind after a day of exploring or meetings. The Westin New York at Times Square is a certified GOLD member of the Green Hotels Association.

Tony’s Di Napoli

Tony’s Di Napoli, one of New York City's original family-style Italian restaurants, has become an iconic institution, cherished by locals and tourists alike for over three decades. Come, immerse yourself in the nostalgia of old-world New York, and be among the countless guests delighted by their authentic Italian red sauce recipes, warm hospitality, unmistakable flavors while  admiring their oil-painted caricatures, now recognized as one of Broadway’s most incredible walls of fame!

Starbright Floral Design

For 30 years, Starbright Floral Design is The Official Florist of The City That Never Sleeps and a proud supporter of Broadway. Their sponsorship portfolio boasts a remarkable lineup of iconic shows, truly a who's who of the theater world. Every day, they bring smiles to New York City with their stunning floral arrangements!

Special thanks to: 

A.R.T./New York

Founded in 1972, A.R.T./New York assists over 400 member theatres in managing their theatre companies effectively so they may realize their rich artistic visions and serve their diverse audiences well. Over nearly five decades, A.R.T./New York has earned a reputation as a leader in providing progressive services to our members—from shared office and rehearsal spaces to technical assistance programs for emerging theatres—which have made the organization an expert in the needs of the New York City nonprofit theatre community.

 

Sponsors