Teens Audition For Chance To Shine In Kristin Chenoweth's Broadway Camp

It was a chance to learn from a Broadway superstar.

Big dreams led teens across the state and the country as they lined up on Saturday in Broken Arrow to audition for a huge opportunity and chance to be in a Broadway Boot Camp.

Teens as young as 14 gave it their all for a chance to learn from Tony Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth.

Organizers said kids from at least 15 different states auditioned, and they even had video submissions from teens as far away as New Zealand.

“I want to work at Sight and Sounds Theater in Branson," Crystal said. “I'm looking into going to OU and majoring in musical theater and then hopefully moving to New York and doing shows on Broadway."

These hopefuls want to learn from one of Broadway's shining stars – Broken Arrow native Chenoweth.

“We wanted to give Oklahoma kids a chance to really hone their craft, and give kids and opportunity for those that can't afford lessons throughout the year,” executive producer Mark Frie said. “…give them a chance not only to work with the great teachers here in Oklahoma but Broadway stars and professionals."

Teens were expected to bring headshots, resumes of their work and prepared songs.

It was a rigorous process that was a little nerve wracking for some.

“Normally when I get nervous it's just before I get in and then once I get on stage, it's all gone,” Crystal said. “I was definitely nervous but then they were really nice and they talked to me."

It was a true-to-life experience organizers wanted the kids to learn from.

And the stakes are high -- ninth and 10th graders who make the cut for Broadway Boot Camp are up for a chance to win scholarships to a musical theater camp in Oklahoma City that it put on by OCU.

While 11th, 12th and college-age kids are fighting for a chance to perform for Chenoweth herself, it is an opportunity that could help make even bigger dreams a reality.

“Kristen Chenoweth is one of my biggest idols,” Crystal said. “I follow her footsteps or at least that's what I want to do. So to be, like, in the same presence as her maybe -- that would just be awesome."