The musical theatre orchestra will help musicians and actors learn to perform alongside each other, Preston Page said.
North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) is striking a new chord in the region’s arts scene with the launch of the NTPA Musical Theatre Orchestra — the first regional orchestra of its kind in North Texas. The program expands NTPA’s mission to provide exceptional educational and performance opportunities for youth and adults alike.
The new orchestra will be led by Senior Music Director and newly appointed Artistic Director Preston Page, whose vision is to bring student and professional musicians together in live, fully orchestrated musical theatre productions.
“Learning to perform alongside live musicians remains an essential part of a comprehensive artistic education in musical theatre,” Page said. “Our audition-based program is perfect for capable musicians 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. Musicians will be selected through ongoing auditions and matched with productions based on skill level and availability.
“Creating a live-music experience for select NTPA shows will create a whole new performance experience for audiences,” NTPA CEO Darrell Rodenbaugh said. “It’s an exciting step forward for our theatre community.”
The orchestra will make its official debut during NTPA Repertory Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror Show, running Oct. 24 to Nov. 2 at the Rodenbaugh Theatre in Willow Bend Center of the Arts. The production will feature a four-piece live band as part of the cult-classic musical’s high-energy score.
To sustain the program, NTPA is seeking community and corporate sponsors to help cover the costs of professional musicians, equipment, and training.
“Our vision is to create a pipeline for talented young musicians to gain experience playing the standard musical theatre repertoire alongside professionals,” Page said. “We welcome the patronage of anyone who believes in the power of live music.”
Musicians interested in joining the orchestra can begin the audition process online at ntpa.org. Tickets for The Rocky Horror Show are also available on the website.