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Bahamian modeling agency beaming with pride at success of young talent
By PTG Marketing & Modeling Agency
Aug 14, 2013 - 6:25:22 PM

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Nassau, Bahamas - Pia T. Glover-Rolle, President of local talent & marketing agency, PTG Marketing & Modeling Agency (PTG), is beaming with pride at the consistent success of the young Bahamian talent that she takes to the world’s industry professionals annually via the International Talent Showcase (ITS). Since 1999, PTG has trained, groomed and managed local talent for the industry. However, for 4 consecutive years, PTG has helped young talent (actors, singers, dancers and models) launch their careers internationally and follow their dreams through development workshops, training, career guidance and management in preparation for the annual International Talent Showcase.

Although corporate sponsorship was minimal this year, there were 8 Bahamian participants among 130 total participants at this year's International Talent Showcase in Boca Raton, Florida from July 31st - August 5th, 2013. The Bahamas group, representing some of the country’s best talent, again made its presence felt - walking away with eight division wins!

For the third time; as in 2011 and 2012; another young Bahamian captured the coveted title of ‘Top Overall Female Fashion Model’. She is the humble and talented singer and model – Christy Lightbourn!

To add to the honours, a Bahamian also captured the ‘Overall Chid Model’ Award! This promising young star is the enthusiastic, amazingly talented, focused and beautiful Dana Kemp.

Additionally, thanks to the amazing creativity and talent of another talented Bahamian, in the person of top photographer Barry Williams; Bahamas was also able to take winning spots in the Photography competitions at the event, which included Overall Winners in Photography for Children and Teens (Fashion & Commercial)

The PTG Bahamas group was not to be outdone in acting either! Walking away with top spots in Sitcom and Spokesperson.

There were three Singing participants in The Bahamas group this year, 2 of which were also Original Songwriters, however, there were no wins for the group in these categories this year.

The Bahamian International Talent Showcase (ITS) group is organised by Pia Rolle of PTG, and she serves as the Director for ITS in The Bahamas. The groups consistent success at ITS not only speaks volumes of the level of talent produced here in The Bahamas, but is also a testament to the level of training provided by Pia Rolle and PTG Modeling Agency in preparing the Bahamas group for participation at this event annually.

Pia notes that, “Though most of these young people come to PTG through an open audition, a small number of them have previously been trained by other agencies. PTG re-trains them according to international industry standards and prepares them for the opportunity to perform abroad. Over the years, our success stories have been documented and most of the top, Bahamian models have trained with PTG Modeling Agency.”

Most importantly, and the reason why most people sign up for this event, is for the opportunity to attract potential modeling or talent deals. As a result of this year’s event, PTG will begin negotiations with agents and managers regarding potential contracts for Bahamian talent.

Mrs Rolle said: "The International Talent Showcase is an organisation whose primary objective is to promote and increase the standards of training and education in the modelling and performing arts industry.”

"ITS was founded in 1985, and is a respected talent organisation that brings together top professionals from around the world representing the modelling and performing arts industry every year, giving aspiring singers, models, dancers and actors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talent to and network with top industry professionals, including agents, casting and film directors and producers.

"I can attest to this entity's credibility and to the fact that competing in an event similar to ITS years ago afforded me the opportunity to work and travel the world as a professional model. This is why I act as the mother agent for my country in taking our talent to this event and assisting them with their careers. It’s about providing opportunities for young people, helping them realize their dreams and feeling that pride when they are successful that is simply, overwhelmingly awesome! It’s not about money; otherwise I would have gotten out of this business years ago…but about providing opportunities!! Wow…it’s a great feeling!!”

Pia Rolle would like to publicly acknowledge and thank Mario’s Family Bowling & Entertainment Palace (Leslia, Greg & Lisa), Sharon McCarthy (ITS), Melissa Bradshaw (ITS), Denise Livoli (ITS), Shanta Kerr-Richardson (PTG), Monalisa Fowler (PTG), Lauryn Rolle (PTG), Barry Williams (Barry Williams Photography), Desiree Chisholm (B’Qute Salon), Marion Carter (Professional Travel), Mitzi Adderley-Thompson (Executive Printers), The Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, Lee Callendar, Van Brown, and all of the family, sponsors and friends who supported the group in any way!

PTG is already preparing for ITS 2014, as local auditions were held in June and another audition for Bahamas talent is scheduled for October 2013 in Nassau.

PTG is also seeking corporate sponsorship to begin to prepare for the ITS 2014 event and hopes that corporate Bahamas will come on board in realizing the value in assisting young talent in pursuing their dreams. There were a number of young people who were unable to attend this year due to lack of sponsorship, however, Mrs. Rolle is prayerful that sponsors will respond favorably this coming year so that even more talent can experience this life-changing opportunity.

Mrs. Rolle added that, “More corporate sponsorship of the individual talent would go a long way in assisting in making many of their dreams a reality. However, for those in corporate Bahamas who have supported the talent over the years in moving closer to the realization of their dreams, I personally say a heartfelt thank you! It has been discouraging for some bright, talented, young Bahamian talent who had to drop out of the programme after months of training and preparation due to lack of finances to get to Florida. Months of training and preparation is offered free of charge by PTG, but obviously, there is a cost to get to Florida and perform. Though it costs our agency to offer the 6 month development training and preparation, our belief in the strong talent and the love of what we do keeps us doing this year after year. The rewards are gained when we are able to successfully impact young lives and help them make their dreams in the industry a reality. PTG brings in the best in the industry to work with our talent, because we want them to be the best when they travel to Florida for the showcase. Annually, the PTG Bahamas group brings back multiple awards and top placement from ITS, in addition to contract signing opportunities and offers.”

The PTG/ITS 2013 group included:

Brazil Rodgers

Michael Taylor

Leopole Wright

Samia McClain

Christy Lightbourn

Dana Kemp

Ragesh Noronha

Irina Eichmann

The awards won by our group are as follows:

Leopole Wright Top 5 finalist Teen Sitcom

Ragesh Noronha Top 5 finalist Teen Photography

Irina Eichmann Top 5 finalist Fashion Photography

Dana Kemp Top 5 finalist Children’s Runway

Michael Taylor Top 5 finalist Teen Runway

Christy Lightbourn Top 10 finalist Singer

Michael Taylor WINNER Teen Spokesperson

Dana Kemp WINNER Children’s Photography

Michael Taylor WINNER Teen Photography

Christy Lightbourn WINNER Teen Runway

Dana Kemp WINNER Children’s Swimsuit

Christy Lightbourn WINNER Teen Swimsuit

Dana Kemp WINNER OVERALL Child Model

Christy Lightbourn WINNER OVERALL Female Fashion Model

For more information, email us at ptgma99@gmail.com or join us on Facebook – PTG Modeling Agency.

Visit the ITS website at www.internationaltalentshowcase.com


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