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Building Bridges Productions Inc. Hosts 2nd Annual Talent Showcase

Written by Alyssa Wilson, University of Lynchburg Bonner Intern 


Building Bridges Productions Inc. will be hosting their Second Annual Talent Showcase and Fundraiser next Saturday, Nov. 12th to showcase young local talent and award winners with scholarships. 

This organization was started by Janice Benejan in March 2016. “It was an inspiration because I remembered going through school and never having the opportunities to attend a performance club or anything like that,” says Benejan. 

As Benejan got older she realized that her other peers were a part of these clubs that she had never heard of, because she did not have the access to be a part of them. 

Benejan says, “What Building Bridges is about, is about creating access for underserved youth in the community.” 

She also emphasizes that one of the goals of the organization is to get students to become involved in the performing arts earlier than average, due to her own experience of beginning to perform when she was in her 30s, although she always had a passion for it. 

Benejan is using this experience to help serve the youth in the City of Lynchburg through many programs and opportunities through Building Bridges Productions. 

The Talent Showcase and Fundraiser works to get students more connected to the performing arts and gives them the opportunity to earn a scholarship. Last year, three students were given a scholarship of either $250, $500 or $750, but due to an increase in funding, this year the scholarships are increasing to $500, $750 and $1,000. 

Three community members will also be recognized at the showcase: Patricia J. Braxton of Bright Hope, Girl Scout troop leader and den mother, Marion Stump and Dr. James Stewart, co-founder of the UP Foundation

They are no longer taking talents for the show as auditions closed on Sept. 15th but there will be more opportunities next year, according to Benejan. 

Those in the community who are interested can buy tickets online at Building Bridges Productions Inc. SHARE profile, or they are welcome to buy tickets at the ticket booth. 

The show will be hosted at the Academy Center of the Arts Warehouse Theatre from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and there will be a silent auction, a raffle and many vendors for audience members to enjoy.

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