Calling all thespians!

Broadway will be a shorter drive than usual tomorrow because it is coming to Watkins Mill High School.

ArtSpeak! is a program run by Montgomery County that allows a school in the county to host volunteering Broadway personnel to visit young thespians and those who love Broadway. For the program’s 20th anniversary, Broadway stars and childhood friends Kerry Butler and Seth Rudetsky will come to Watkins Mill High School tomorrow.

Butler was nominated for a Tony for her role in Xanadu. She has also appeared on Broadway in Hairspray, Rock of Ages, Catch Me If You Can, The Best Man, and Disaster. Rudetsky is the co-writer of Disaster and the pianist for more than a dozen shows including Ragtime, Les Misérables, and Phantom of the Opera.

This free event will consist of performances, games, prizes, autographs, and time to ask Butler and Rudetsky questions. “It took us four years to get this program back to Watkins Mill, and I really want it to be successful,” English and theatre teacher Scott Tarzwell said.

“I have attended many ArtSpeak! shows in the past. The main issue with the program is that there just isn’t enough understanding by the community about what they are being offered. This is a chance to see Broadway performers actually sing, dance, and play for free… It is a mini Broadway performance just for showing up,” Tarzwell added.

“[My] expectations are pretty high. [I’m] hoping that at least 200 people will attend and that the welcome received… will be so positive that the performers will want to come back here,” Tarzwell said. “[I’m] so looking forward to offering the thespians of Watkins Mill and the community… this unique opportunity to come face to face with stars of Broadway.”

“All schools in the county are invited so this is a great opportunity to network with other students. It’s all about supporting the wonderful opportunities that are being presented,” Tarzwell added. Come show your support at Watkins Mill March 11 at 2pm to learn about these actors’ careers, enjoy performances, win prizes and more for free.