Bradford's Music in Motion Performing Arts (MIMPA) took home multiple awards last month in the performing arts competition, Access Broadway in Pittsburgh.
A total of 17 local students ranging in age from nine to 17, took part in the national competition.
It was a family affair with students and their parents tagging along, assisting behind the scenes with makeup, costume changes and trip fundraising initiatives.
The national dance and musical theatre competition host a number of regional championships throughout the year as well as an annual national championship. Access Broadway: Pittsburgh was one of the regional championships, with Broadway alumni serving as judges.
MIMPA is a Bradford-based performing arts studio specializing in vocal, acting, and dance. The studio is run by co-owners/directors Lydia Martin and Julia Cowie.aid Cowie.
Awards Recap
Individual Marks
- Platinum Marks of 96-100 per cent - 12 routines
- High Gold Marks of 92-95 per cent- 27 routines
- Gold Marks of 89-91 per cent - two routines
High Score Awards - Overall placements against competitors
- 1st Place - nine routines
- 2nd Place - six routines
- 3rd Place - eight routines
- 4th Place - six routines
- 5th Place - three routines
- 6th Place - two routines
- 7th Place - two routines
- 9th Place - one routine
MIMPA were Title Winners for:
- Best Jr. Actor 10 and under
- Best Jr. Actor 11-12 years-old
- Best Jr. Vocalist 12 and under
- Best Teen Vocalist 13-14 years-old
- Best Teen Vocalist 15-16 years-old
- Junior All Star Actor
- Teen All Star Actor 1st Runner Up
- Teen All Star Vocalist
- Teen All Star Vocalist 1st Runner Up
- Best Jr. Vocal Duet/Trio 9-12 years-old
- Best Sr. Duet/Trio 13-19 years-old
- Best Jr. Musical Theatre Group 9-12 years-old
- Best Teen Musical Theatre Group 13-15 years-old
MIMPA was also crowned Best Debut Musical Theatre School.
“We are so proud of all of our MIMPA students! Watching the competition team perform live in Pittsburgh (for the first time since 2019), was such an incredible experience. For many members of the team this was their first time ever participating in a competition," said Cowie. “This team has overcome so much and has grown stronger through the pandemic. They have supported each other and navigated through many obstacles, in order to get to this moment.”
Parent Jason Tompson says the best part of the trip to Pittsburgh, was the sense of community.
"MIMPA always seems to bring people together to support and grow one another. Whether you were a parent or a standout partner...it was an unforgettable experience," he said.
“My daughter has been at MIMPA for three years now and while she’s always loved it, this took her experience to another level," added parent Gary Wise. "MIMPA has done such an amazing job of instilling a communal vibe amongst the students and the parents. It’s really shown both of my kids the value of being part of something greater than the whole. I’m a huge fan of what they do."
The studio is looking forward to a summer full of camp programs for young singers, actors and dancers. Registration for MIMPA’s upcoming season begins in July. Their 2022/2023 season will feature many programs including musical theatre, acting, dancing and singing technique classes and their award-winning triple threat competition team.
“MIMPA prepares students for shining moments, both on the stage and in life. By providing an inclusive environment that is welcoming to all levels and stages of experience, we have become a home away from home for their students and their MIMPA families. MIMPA nights are the favourite nights of the week and the magic that is created at the studio creates lifelong memories and friendships for our students," s