Update: Click here to read Jason's official Staybridge Suites blog!

July 15, 2010

Jason Marks, office manager and resident instructor at the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community (SPARC), has won a nationwide contest and is heading to New York to pursue his dream of a Broadway career.

Jason has won the “Big Broadway Break” contest, sponsored by Staybridge Suites in Times Square.  He submitted his video entry to the contest in May, and learned yesterday that his was selected as the winning entry.

The contest involved singing one of two selected songs, from which Jason selected, “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows.”  Once submitted, videos were published for fans to vote online and submit comments.  The Top 10 finalists were selected in late June, and a judging panel made the final selection.  The panel was made up of some of Broadway’s leading professionals.

Jason’s prize package includes a six-month hotel stay, giving him a home base in the heart of Times Square; a series of personalized Broadway Classroom workshops from Broadway.com to help him perfect his performance skills; a session with noted Broadway casting director, Stephanie Klapper; an interview with Time Out New York’s associate theater and cabaret editor, Adam Feldman; an interview on Seth’s Broadway Chatterbox which airs on broadwayworld.com; $5,000 for living expenses; and Staybridge Suites’ signature complimentary services and amenities throughout the length of his stay.

One of his responsibilities as the contest winner is to write a regular blog about his experience.  This link will be published on the SPARC website when available.

Jason says, “While I am absolutely thrilled to be heading to New York to start the next chapter of my life and career, I cannot help but be grateful and thankful for my time over the last 10 years with SPARC.  My students have enriched my life beyond measure, and I have been so privileged to work with such a talented, committed, and wonderful group of instructors who have also served as my friends and collaborators.  SPARC may claim to be lucky to have had me, but I feel even more so blessed to have had SPARC in my life.”

Jason first heads to New York for his introductory meetings in late July.  He plans to move from Richmond to New York in August.

To view Jason's video entry to the contest on YouTube, click here.

To read the official contest press release announcing Jason as the winner, click here.

UPDATE: To read Jason's official Staybridge Suites blog, click here!