BTE/CMVB Presented Event:
Student Spotlight

May 14th-16th

Rooted Here. Imagined for Everywhere.

Join us for a celebration of the Greater Susquehanna Valley’s wealth of talented high school musical student performers. This ‘Student Spotlight’ will assemble some of the most experienced high school students to perform in a special public musical revue on the BTE stage! Who are these students? One of them could be YOU!

We’re currently accepting applications from high school students in our region. Applicants must submit a video excerpt from their current high school musical and a musical theatre song of their choice by March 15th at midnight. A panel of professional theatre artists will decide and announce the 12 to 18 selected students on March 20th.

Not only will these students get to perform on the stage of the Alvina Krause Theatre, but they will also be mentored by music director Catie Brown (Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Carnegie Mellon University) and a surprise guest artist from Broadway during the week leading up to the performance! Students will learn from a musical theatre masterclass, hone their skills during private vocal coaching, and prepare for the big night with choreography and staging sessions!

Whether it is a first step in a long-career or once-in-a-lifetime experience, Student Spotlight is a love letter to young musical theatre fans! This will be a spectacular tribute to the power of musical theatre and the passion and connections it inspires! Apply today!

Apply here

  • A video clip from their current high school musical.

  • A video or audio recording of a musical theatre song of their choice.

  • Submitted through portal on March 15 at midnight.

Application Requirements

  • A panel including Student Spotlight producer Jared Whitford, music director Catie Brown, and BTE staff will review submissions.

Selection Process

Announcement Date:

  • March 20th

Production Team and Instructors

  • Jared Whitford smirks at the viewer.

    Jared Whitford

    Event Producer and Panel Judge
    Jared Whitford is a multifaceted theater artist whose artistic versatility spans directing, design, and performance.

    A respected figure in the regional arts community, he most recently directed the world premiere of the musical STOA (2026) at Lycoming College in Williamsport. He serves as Director of Theater for the South Williamsport Area School District, a producer for the BTE/CMVB Presented Event Series, and was the Founder and Artistic Director of Studio 570.

    Throughout his career, Jared has collaborated with organizations such as Millbrook Playhouse, the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Interlakes Summer Theatre, and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, among others. He also serves on Governor Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs.

    Selected Credits: A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline; WSO Celebrates the Holidays: A Broadway Tribute; James and the Giant Peach; Legally Blonde; The Revolutionists; Cinderella (Director and Designer); Fiddler on the Roof; The Little Mermaid; Beetlejuice Jr. (premiere production, Costume Designer).

  • Catie Brown faces the camera, smiling.

    Catie Brown

    Student Spotlight Music Director and Instructor
    Catie Brown is a Staff Accompanist, Music Director, Teacher, and Vocal Coach at Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama and Vocal teacher at the CMU School of Dream’s Pre-College Program.

    Regional theater work: Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, R.W.S. and Associates, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, St. Vincent Summer Theater, and several Broadway National Tour Companies.