BTC executives today officially issued a casting call for the best and brightest of young Bahamians to audition for roles as company spokespersons, re-affirming the power of its Starmaker campaign using lively young faces and voices to win loyalty of a young -- and financially lucrative -- market.
            
The announcement of the casting call came at a press conference this morning at the company's new wave store at the Mall at Marathon which opened last December following a $500,000 makeover.
            
"BTC is pleased to announce that we will, for the third year, launch our highly successful Starmaker campaign highlighting and rewarding the positive nature of young Bahamians ," said Marlon Johnson, Vice President of Brand and Communication. "We want to extend the invitation to all young people in the Family Islands and are happy to advise that we will hold auditions for the first time in Abaco and Grand Bahama."
            
Forms become available on BTC's Facebook page today as well as at BTCStarmaker.com. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm Thursday, February 23. Hundreds are expected to apply for the two winning slots, one in the junior and one in the senior category, juniors ranging from 13-17 years old and seniors 18-30.
            
Once applications are screened, shortlisted candidates will be invited to audition with the final auditions televised. Winners will walk away with a $10,000 contract plus other prizes to act as spokesmen for BTC for the remainder of 2012.
            
Auditions are reality show style with 100 people participating in the New Providence line-up and 50 each in Abaco and Grand Bahama. Former applicants are eligible to re-apply, but former winners or those who made it to the TV rounds are not. Of the 50 selected in Abaco and Grand Bahama, organisers hope to select four from each casting call. Nassau auditions will be held March 3 at the Mall at Marathon. Grand Bahama and Abaco dates and venues are expected to follow the next week. Those dates and venues will be finalized shortly.
            
"Auditions will be similar to American Idol or America's Got Talent in that contestants will be narrowed down with eliminations at every step and only the top surviving," said Johnson. "The difference is that the talent we are looking for is personality, presentation, enthusiasm. You do not have to sing, dance or perform stunts. We are searching for the inner dynamic magic that will mirror itself in being a representative for BTC."
            
As Starmakers, winners will be featured in print, radio and TV advertising, make appearances during events and promotions and connect with others in person and through social media sites in a way that demonstrates positive behaviour and upbeat attitude.
     
To be eligible, candidates must be Bahamian citizens or legal residents, in good health, of high moral character and not be engaged in any activities that could bring, or tend to bring themselves, BTC or any of its subsidiaries, affiliated or related companies into disrepute.
            
"The continuation of Starmakers is further evidence of BTC's commitment to and recognition of the value of the youth of The Bahamas," said Johnson. "We hope that some of our Starmakers will become stars with our company in their future. We know they will be stars among their peers."