Clear Space alumna Emma Pittman up for star role on Broadway

Clear Space Theatre alumna Emma Pittman is one of three finalists in The Search for Roxie, a competition to select Broadway’s next Roxie Hart - the iconic chorus girl, and murderer, in “Chicago, the Musical.”

During her 2016 summer repertoire season with Clear Space, Pittman appeared in the production of “Chicago” as Annie. She was also understudy to Roxie in the same production. Pittman returned to Clear Space in 2018 to choreograph the summer production of “Mary Poppins.”

The Search for Roxie, a collaboration of the musical’s staff and Broadway.com, kicked off in October with an open call for audition tapes. “Chicago” casting directors Duncan Stewart and Benton Whitely, along with the show’s long-time star, Charlotte d’Amboise, narrowed the submissions down to the top 10. Selection of the  top three was accomplished via online voting in early November. The three finalists -Pittman, Kate Gulotta and Kalifa White - were announced Nov. 18.

Pittman said, “It’s truly a dream come true. Being chosen to be in the top 10, out of all those brave women who submitted their auditions, was really humbling. Then the support that came flowing in from Facebook and Instagram was so inspiring! I didn’t realize how many people were rooting for me. Those people are the reason why I’m now in the top three!”

She said, “Especially thank you to David Button and the Clear Space Company for promoting me during the voting process!”

Next up for Pittman is Roxie boot camp in New York City. Finalists will work with the musical’s dance captain, music director, casting director and Paige Davis on all the audition material.

Clear Space Executive Director Wesley Paulson said, “We are so excited to follow the progress of former cast members like Emma Pittman. She has joined the ranks of other summer cast members who have gone on to appear on Broadway in ‘Hello Dolly,’ ‘Kiss Me Kate’ and ‘Cats,’ as well as in national and international tours of ‘A Chorus Line’ and ‘Legally Blonde.’ We heartily congratulate Emma on her selection as a finalist in The Search for Roxie. We may be biased, but Clear Space thinks the judges have already picked their star.”