The E.N.T. Factor Launches A New Age for Musical Theatre In T&T

On Saturday 22nd July 2023, members of the Performing Arts fraternity gathered at Trinidad Theatre Workshop to commemorate the official launch of The E.N.T. Factor. This groundbreaking musical theatre company was founded in 2018 by the late actor Christopher Smith, affectionately referred to as Chris, but after his sudden passing in 2019 from leukemia, his wife Paula Hamilton-Smith decided to uphold her husband’s legacy, and embrace a new role as owner of the E.N.T. Factor and manager of all the responsibilities that came with it.

To further commemorate the occasion, the launch event was held to coincide with Paula’s 40th Birthday; a number that holds deep significance in the Christian faith. In an interview with the T&T Performing Arts Network Hamilton-Smith said, “In the Bible, 40 is a number of completion. The Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert before finding the promised land and Jesus fasted 40 days before starting his ministry. So I felt at age 40 I have to do something now, it’s the time to take action.”

E.N.T. Factor’s Launch Event truly celebrated theatre in every aspect of the event’s design. It featured performances from major musicals such as Hamilton and Phantom of the Opera, audience activities mirrored choral rehearsals and even the event’s programme took on the design of a traditional Broadway playbill. In attendance were local actors Debra Boucaud-Mason, Kearn Samuel and Salvation by Culture Network. In so doing, E.N.T. Factor has declared its commitment to the Performing Arts industry, as well as its mission of delivering musical theatre productions that are not only exceptional, but sustainable.

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THE STORY OF THE E.N.T. FACTOR

The E.N.T. Factor takes its name from the phrase: Epic Natural Talent, which was coined by Chris Smith as a way to describe the vibrancy and diversity of Trinbagonian talent. When creating the framework for the E.N.T. Factor, he drew from his learning experiences as a Director of JCS Entertains; the company that brought to T&T the critically acclaimed productions of Mahalia, Altar Boyz and Jesus Christ Superstar, but eventually dissolved in 2016 due to financial constraints. It was through the downfall of JCS Entertains, that E.N.T. Factor was born, and simultaneously a vision for a financially viable industry that showcases and nurtures innate talent. A vision that will now be carried out by Paula, alongside the E.N.T Factor’s new management team, local creatives Zayna McDonald, Omar Jarra, Rachel Elcock and Paccino Wilson.

Despite the obvious economic challenges that come with the Performing Arts sector, The E.N.T. Factor has lived its mission with fervor and intention. The company has so far embarked on numerous small projects aimed at nurturing talent, such as hosting open mics, acting classes, and musical theatre workshops. The company is also in the throes of producing an original musical, written by Paula Hamilton-Smith herself, which is scheduled for 2024. It is the E.N.T. Factor’s ultimate goal to one day stage local productions of the award-winning musicals Grease and Jesus Christ Superstar, one of Chris’ biggest dreams for the company.

As The E.N.T. Factor continues to write its story of innovation, the company seeks the support of the community to bring its aspirations to fruition. The path forward includes financial assistance for event staging, sponsorships, and collaborations with fellow entrepreneurs, all with the objective of providing opportunities both on and off stage. Thus far, it has garnered support from the theatre production company, Better Than We Wey Productions. To support the E.N.T. Factor’s initiatives, stakeholders are encouraged to reach out via the company’s website theentfactor.com or its social media channels: @the.ent.factor on Facebook and Instagram, and +1 868-769-7696 on WhatsApp.

The E.N.T. Factor is more than a company; it is a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the ability of dedicated individuals to make a profound impact. With every performance and initiative, it will continue to celebrate the Epic Natural Talent that resides within Trinidad and Tobago, not only preserving the legacy of Chris Smith but also carving a new path for Trinbagonian musical theatre.