The Student Producer Program (SP²), a new educational platform designed to transform high school theatre productions into hands-on business learning experiences, will officially launch on November 17th alongside the announcement of a partnership with the Educational Theatre Association, giving 10 schools free access to the platform.
The launch event will take place at Open Jar Studios, 1601 Broadway, 11th Floor on November 17th in conjunction with The Center Stage Experience, an interactive dance-a-long screening of Center Stage. A dance master class will begin at 6p, followed by the launch at 7p and the screening of the film.
The Student Producer Program (SP²) was co-founded by Jeff Whiting, founder of Stage Write Software and Open Jar Studios, and Kevin Bradley of the 3AM Solutions Initiative. Together, they have developed a program designed to bridge the gap between arts education and real-world professional experience, empowering students to develop the leadership, entrepreneurial, and business skills that are essential both onstage and beyond.
“We spend years teaching students how to perform onstage, but very little time teaching them how to make a production happen,” said Jeff Whiting, founder of Stage Write Software, Open Jar Studios and co-founder of the Student Producer Program. “Every school musical is an opportunity to teach entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and financial responsibility. SP² was created to give students those experiences while helping theatre educators build stronger programs. The next generation of Broadway producers may already be sitting in our high school classrooms.”
“Some of the most important lessons students can learn don't come from a textbook—they come from being trusted with real responsibility,” said Kevin Bradley, co-founder of the Student Producer Program. “SP² gives young people the opportunity to lead, collaborate, solve problems, and see the direct impact of their decisions. By partnering with the Educational Theatre Association's Broadway Blueprint initiative, we're excited to help bring these opportunities to more schools and give students the confidence and skills to succeed in whatever career they choose.”
To celebrate the launch and expand access to the program, 10 schools will be selected to receive complimentary access to SP², giving students the opportunity to develop real-world leadership, entrepreneurship, and business management skills through their own school productions.
Join fellow alumni for a night of dancing, movie magic, and community featuring:
6:00 PM | Dance Masterclass: Learn the iconic “Jazz Class” routine from Center Stage, taught by Broadway dancer and Chita Rivera Award Winner Ashley Blair Fitzgerald.
7:00 PM | Launch Event for Student Producer Program: Witness the GO-LIVE moment for this new educational platform.
7:30 PM | Interactive Dance-A-Long Screening: Experience Center Stage like never before, with audience participation, special guests, and a costume contest celebrating your favorite characters from the film.
Here’s the event link to reserve your spot: https://give.gofundme.com/CenterStageThespianAlumniNight