North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) proudly announces the creation of the first regional Musical Theatre Orchestra in North Texas, expanding its commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities in performing arts. Senior Music Director Preston Page has been named Artistic Director of this new flagship live music program, the NTPA Musical Theatre Orchestra.
“We are proud to launch this exciting new addition to our musical theatre experience,” says NTPA Chief Executive Officer Darrell Rodenbaugh. “Creating a live-music experience for select NTPA shows willcreate a whole new performance experience for audiences.”
“Learning to perform alongside live musicians remains an essential part of a comprehensive artistic education in musical theatre,” said Page. “With thousands of talented student and collegiate musicians across North Texas, the barrier to entry for access to playing in musical theatre orchestras remains inaccessibly high for most. Our audition-based program is perfect for any capable musician interested in gaining the unique experience of performing in a musical theatre pit, networking with professionals, and expanding their artistic abilities.”
Launching with a planned eight-show season, the NTPA Musical Theatre Orchestra will serve as a cornerstone of the organization’s professional-level training model. NTPA is actively seeking community and corporate sponsorships to expand live music educational opportunities and sustain this groundbreaking initiative.
The NTPA Musical Theatre Orchestra will make its official debut with NTPA Repertory Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror Show, running October 24–November 2 at the Rodenbaugh Theatre in Willow Bend Center of the Arts.
Tickets are available at www.ntpa.org/tickets.
“Our vision is to create a pipeline for talented young musicians to gain experience playing the standard musical theatre repertoire alongside professional music directors,” said Page. “Although we believe this unique program is educationally essential to our growing arts infrastructure, paying professionals to partner with these students costs more than our standard production model. We welcome the patronage of anyone who believes in the power of live music to help us expand orchestral programming — covering costs of instrument rentals, technical equipment, and the time and expertise of professionals who train the next generation of musicians and performers.”
The NTPA Musical Theatre Orchestra will make its official debut with NTPA Repertory Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror Show, running October 24–November 2 at the Rodenbaugh Theatre in Willow Bend Center of the Arts.
Tickets are available at www.ntpa.org/tickets.
Auditions will be ongoing, with students hired based on skill level and availability. Interested musicians can begin the process by completing the Audition Form on the NTPA website.
For questions or to learn more about supporting the NTPA Musical Theatre Orchestra, please visit www.ntpa.org/orchestra or contact Preston Page, Senior Music Director of North Texas Performing Arts and Artistic Director of the NTPA Musical Theatre Orchestra at ppage@ntpa.org.