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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