2022 HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS by Orpheum Theatre

MARQUEE May 26, 2022

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO

Dear High School Musical Fans, Welcome to the 2022 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards (or the HSMTAs for short)! This is an exciting night at the Orpheum and one we look forward to all year. This is the first in-person HSMTA the Orpheum has hosted in almost three years. The last two HSMTA ceremonies were held virtually as the pandemic raged. I hope you have watched these two shows on our YouTube channel. They were both terrific. I give the highest kudos to the performers who participated in the virtual celebrations, as well as to the Orpheum staff who made them happen. However, theatre is a live medium. It is meant to be enjoyed in person. That is why we are so excited to have you here this evening! To sit in the theatre with other people experiencing something first-hand in real time is an experience that can never be replicated in a video. The HSMTAs, of course, start with the teachers, students and school administrators who put on productions in their school’s auditoriums. These are the individuals who make high school musical theatre happen. They keep this important student activity going year-after-year. For that, we are all eternally grateful. This year, we also have six non-adjudicated schools represented at the awards for the first time. We are happy to welcome these schools to the HSMTAs. The Orpheum Theatre Group’s Education and Community Engagement Department puts a lot of effort into these awards every year. From first-year Managing Director Lena Wallace Black to all the judges, tech staff, creative team and others involved, these individuals keep the annual awards current and professional. I thank them all. I thank the parents and caregivers of the students involved. You drive these young people to rehearsal and pick them up late at night. You encourage their theatrical endeavors and support them on their journey. You are the unsung heroes of the HSMTAs. None of this would happen without you. Finally, a great big shout-out of appreciation to our supporters who give to make the HSMTAs happen. Your donations recognize the value of the performing arts in a high school setting. We are eternally grateful for your generosity. Everyone at the Orpheum is proud of our HSMTA program. It is the only regional program in the country that reaches three different states! Our finalists make us smile every year when they go to New York City to participate in the Jimmy Awards. The productions performed in high schools throughout the Mid-South are top notch in every way. What you are about to see on stage confirms that! Thank you for being here tonight. Enjoy the 2022 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards.

Brett Batterson President & CEO Orpheum Theatre Group

TICKETMASTER is proud to sponsor this year’s Awards!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Patty & George Alvord Veronica & Brett Batterson Dean HD directFX Farris Bobango PLC Karen Fields-Isaacman & Ken Isaacman Friends Of The Orpheum (FOTO) Keri and Doug Gage Gould’s Academy Jennifer McGrath Robin and Billy Orgel Paulsen Printing Company Production One Sedgwick Cheryl & Bill Stegbauer Ticketmaster Lura Elliott Turner

Congrats to all the nominees! -Cheryl & Bill Stegbauer

Thank you to SEDGWICK! Proud sponsor of the High School Musical Theatre Awards since 2010

Break a leg! -Farris Bobango PLC

Thank you to our sponsor PRODUCTION ONE!

PRODUCTION STAFF

H E UM 2022 ORP SICAL O O L MU HIGH SCH TRE AWARDS THEA

Managing Director................................................................................Lena Wallace Black Director..........................................................................................................Taylor St. John Co-Musical Director/Musical Arrangements & Orchestrations............Jason Eschhofen Co-Musical Director/Band Director...............................................................Jordan Wells Choreographer.........................................................................................Santyria Johnson Associate Choreographer............................................................................Teqosha White Stage Manager..........................................................................................Elizabeth Perkins Technical Director..................................................................................Jim “Revo” Reeves Lighting Designer...................................................................................John “Jeo” Owens Audio & Video Production.........................................................................Production One Nomination Slides...................................................................................................DeanHD Backstage Coordinator...................................................................................Verity Hwang Lead Liason..........................................................................Kyle Van Frank, HSMTA Alum Musicians.............................Corbin Miles, Belinda Brannon, Pete Vescovo, Larry Gooch Program Designer.........................................................................................Nathan Ashby Judges.......................................................Karen Shepherd Canty, James Kevin Cochran, Marcus Cox, Sandy Kozik, Dave Landis, Elizabeth Perkins, Angela Shultz, Melissa VanPelt, LarJuanette Williams Lead Actor & Actress Panel....................Sandy Kozik, Dave Landis, Breyannah Tillman, Melissa VanPelt, Cecelia Wingate Student Technical, Creative, & Stage Management Panel..................Michael Compton, Sherronda Johnson, Elizabeth Perkins Executive Producer..................................................................................Jennifer McGrath SPECIAL THANKS TO Our generous sponsors, the Orpheum Theatre Group Board of Directors, the Orpheum Theatre Group Staff, FOTO volunteers, Orpheum STAR Council, IATSE Crew, Theatre Memphis, Playhouse on the Square, University of Memphis Department of Theatre and Dance, and the countless others who make this event possible.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Arlington High School — Zombie Prom Bartlett High School — Hello, Dolly! Bolton High School — The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Briarcrest Christian School — Little Women the Musical Cabot High School — Matilda Chester County High School — Cinderella Christian Brothers High School — The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Collierville High School — Something Rotten! Crosstown High School — You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown East High School — Non-adjudication Evangelical Christian School — Grease Fayette Academy — Disney’s High School Musical First Assembly Christian School — Tuck Everlasting Germantown High School — Footloose Harding Academy — Little Women the Musical Haywood High School — Non-adjudication Hernando High School — Disney’s Freaky Friday Houston High School — Fiddler on the Roof Hutchison — The Addams Family Jackson Christian School — Disney’s Freaky Friday Lausanne Collegiate School — Zombie Prom Lewisburg High School — Disney’s High School Musical Madison-Ridgeland Academy — Seussical the Musical Memphis University School — Sweeney Todd Middle College High School — Non-adjudication Millington Central Middle High School — The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee New Albany High School — Hello, Dolly! Northpoint Christian School —Oklahoma! Olive Branch High School — Do You Wanna Dance? Overton High School — Non-adjudication Ridgeway High School — Non-adjudication Sacred Heart of Jesus High School — The Little Mermaid South Gibson County High School — Into the Woods Southaven High School — Mamma Mia! St. Agnes Academy — Descendants St. Benedict at Auburndale — The Spongebob Musical St. George’s Independent School — Frozen, Jr. St. Mary’s Episcopal School — Mary Poppins Tipton-Rosemark Academy — Little Shop of Horrors White Station High School — Non-adjudication

OPENING & CLOSING PERFORMERS

Levi Adair

Claire Kail

Ava Adams

Owen Keeton

Caroline Adams

Robby Kelley

Parker Anderson

Austin Kennedy

Tiara Anthony

Brooke Kinzer

Lainey Bowden

Blake Lira

Tiffany Brooks

Patrick Loftis

Trinity Brooks

Emma McClellan

Lauren Brown

Brody Melton

Dantrielle Burkes

Ryan Mesler

Sara Kate Burnett

Ava Morris

Alexia Cole

Caleb Mynatt

Brianna Cole

Meredith Ohler

Myla Coleman

Macy Pearson

Makayla Collum

Chaney Petty

Elle Connell

Miller Richardson

Cara Cooper

Cody Rivera

Jana Cornelius

Randi Sandefer

Grace Crossett

Austin Schween

Libby Deacon

Trevor Scott

Kyle Dean

Alyssa Sheppard

Halena Edwards

B.J. Smith

Kayla Fifer

Valeria Sotelo

Shamaiya Flagg

Kylah Spring

Hannah Forbes

Zoey Steelman

Elle Fowler

Brianna Strong

Kaitlyn Graham

Rachel Tolbert

Simone Guyton

Logan Williams

Skylar Harts

Callie Wittmann

Adriyana Hester

Mirrah Woods

Ashley Huff

Jackson Young

Caroline Hunt

Lawson Young

2021 LEAD NOMINEE ALUMNI HOSTS

Shy’Kira Allen — Bartlett High School RJ Barboza — Chester County High School Kasey Davis — Jackson Christian School Ben Gray — Evangelical Christian School Isabelle Johnson — Briarcrest Christian School Joshua Rickard — Tipton-Rosemark Academy Deven Sims — Olive Branch High School Alexis Steelman — Collierville High School

A MESSAGE FROM OUR VP OF EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We are beyond excited to celebrate the talent, passion, and joy of live theater back in person tonight! Theater is a place we can come together to express ourselves, to listen, to grow, to heal, and to build a sense of community. Our rehearsal and program time with students and schools leading up to tonight has done all of those things and more. Students from all over the Mid-South have been working tirelessly to create something magical to share with you tonight and you will see from their performances how hard work manifests into something truly beautiful and powerful. As we move forward and continue to grow, we are committed to the evolution of this free program and are thrilled that one of the largest changes made this year has allowed us to welcome more schools and students into our fold by engaging schools regardless of whether or not they have produced a musical. We welcome six schools participating in this way and cannot wait to have more join in the future. We are also thrilled to welcome back many of last year’s lead nominees to serve as your hosts. These talented students serve as role models to this year’s participants and are able to finally have their moment on the Orpheum stage that was not possible during the pandemic. Thank you for being here tonight and for your continued support of live arts, arts education, and community building. The arts truly do have the power to change the world and we hope that the performances tonight not only encourage you to let the sunshine and light into your life, but also inspire you to take action to make our world better when you leave the theater this evening. With much gratitude and in community,

Jennifer McGrath Vice President, Education & Community Engagement Orpheum Theatre Group

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING SMALL ENSEMBLE Sponsored by Gould’s Academy

Bolton High School - The Full Cast The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Briarcrest Christian School - The March Sisters Little Women the Musical Lausanne Collegiate School - Coco, Candy, and Ginger Zombie Prom Houston High School - The Bottle Dancers Fiddler on the Roof Hutchison - The Ancestors The Addams Family St. Agnes Academy - Mal, Evie, J, and CC Descendants Millington Central Middle High School - The Full Cast The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

OUTSTANDING LARGE ENSEMBLE Sponsored by Gould’s Academy Southaven High School - Mamma Mia! St. George’s Independent School - Frozen Jr. Northpoint Christian School - Oklahoma! Collierville High School - Something Rotten! First Assembly Christian School - Tuck Everlasting Christian Brothers High School - The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical St. Mary’s Episcopal School - Mary Poppins

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING CHORUS Collierville High School - Something Rotten! Germantown High School - Footloose Chester County High School - Cinderella Cabot High School - Matilda Briarcrest Christian School - Little Women the Musical St. Mary’s Episcopal School - Mary Poppins New Albany High School - Hello, Dolly!

OUTSTANDING STUDENT ORCHESTRA Memphis University School - Sweeney Todd Sacred Heart of Jesus High School - The Little Mermaid Houston High School - Fiddler on the Roof Collierville High School - Something Rotten! Evangelical Christian School - Grease Bartlett High School - Hello, Dolly!

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING DANCE EXECUTION Christian Brothers High School - The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Fayette Academy - Disney’s High School Musical Collierville High School - Something Rotten! Cabot High School - Matilda Northpoint Christian School - Oklahoma! St. Benedict at Auburndale - The Spongebob Musical St. Mary’s Episcopal School - Mary Poppins

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY St. Mary’s Episcopal School - Mary Poppins Houston High School - Fiddler on the Roof Collierville High School - Something Rotten! Cabot High School - Matilda Evangelical Christian School - Grease St. Benedict at Auburndale - The Spongebob Musical Northpoint Christian School - Oklahoma!

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING PLAYBILL

Sponsored by Paulsen Printing Houston High School - Fiddler on the Roof Tipton-Rosemark Academy - Little Shop of Horrors New Albany High School - Hello, Dolly! Arlington High School - Zombie Prom Northpoint Christian School - Oklahoma! Germantown High School - Footloose Jackson Christian School - Disney’s Freaky Friday

OUTSTANDING POSTER Sponsored by directFX

Madison-Ridgeland Academy - Seussical the Musical Crosstown High School - You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Tipton-Rosemark Academy - Little Shop of Horrors Collierville High School - Something Rotten! Arlington High School - Zombie Prom New Albany High School - Hello, Dolly! Germantown High School - Footloose

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING FRONT OF HOUSE

Sponsored by Friends of the Orpheum (FOTO) St. Benedict at Auburndale — The Spongebob Musical Cabot High School — Matilda Olive Branch High School — Do You Wanna Dance? Crosstown High School — You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Arlington High School — Zombie Prom Tipton-Rosemark Academy — Little Shop of Horrors St. Agnes Academy — Descendants

OUTSTANDING ARTISTIC ELEMENT The Jiggly Frog Trays — Jackson Christian School Disney’s Freaky Friday Gertrude’s Tail — Madison-Ridgeland Academy Seussical the Musical The Kite — Briarcrest Christian School Little Women the Musical The Yellow Jacket — First Assembly Christian School Tuck Everlasting The Egg and Omelet Costumes — Collierville High School Something Rotten! The Flying Acrobat — Cabot High School Matilda The Magic Wand — St. Agnes Academy Descendants

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING HAIR AND MAKEUP Germantown High School — Footloose Briarcrest Christian School — Little Women the Musical Tipton-Rosemark Academy — Little Shop of Horrors St. Benedict at Auburndale — The Spongebob Musical Northpoint Christian School — Oklahoma! Chester County High School — Cinderella Cabot High School — Matilda

OUTSTANDING COSTUMES New Albany High School — Hello, Dolly! Northpoint Christian School — Oklahoma! Christian Brothers High School — The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Cabot High School — Matilda Collierville High School — Something Rotten! Germantown High School — Footloose Harding Academy — Little Women the Musical

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING Sponsored by Dean HD

Germantown High School — Footloose St. Mary’s Episcopal School — Mary Poppins Briarcrest Christian School — Little Women the Musical Collierville High School — Something Rotten! Hernando High School — Disney’s Freaky Friday Tipton-Rosemark Academy — Little Shop of Horrors Madison-Ridgeland Academy — Seussical the Musical

OUTSTANDING SET

Sponsored by Veronica and Brett Batterson New Albany High School — Hello, Dolly! Lausanne Collegiate School — Zombie Prom Cabot High School — Matilda Tipton-Rosemark Academy — Little Shop of Horrors Evangelical Christian School — Grease Briarcrest Christian School — Little Women the Musical St. Mary’s Episcopal School — Mary Poppins

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

Sponsored by the staff of the Orpheum Theatre Group in honor of Jim “Revo” Reeves Hernando High School — Disney’s Freaky Friday Germantown High School — Footloose Cabot High School — Matilda Tipton-Rosemark Academy — Little Shop of Horrors Briarcrest Christian School — Little Women the Musical Collierville High School — Something Rotten! New Albany High School — Hello, Dolly!

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING STUDENT CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

Olivia Kennedy Tipton-Rosemark Academy Little Shop of Horrors

Morgan Hipp Arlington High School Zombie Prom

Hannah Haskins Cabot High School Matilda

Bruna DaRosa St. Benedict at Auburndale The Spongebob Musical

Ashlyn Bradford Collierville High School Something Rotten!

Addie Brady St. Agnes Academy Descendants

OUTSTANDING STUDENT TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

James McFarland Cabot High School Matilda

Austin Anderson Cabot High School Matilda

Jessica Hudgins Collierville High School Something Rotten!

Sofia Ragland Collierville High School Something Rotten!

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING STUDENT STAGE MANAGEMENT Sponsored by Jennifer McGrath

Alo Covarrubias Arlington High School Zombie Prom

Cadee Tait Evangelical Christian School Grease

Megan Pfeifer Tipton-Rosemark Academy Little Shop of Horrors

Ella Gregory Lausanne Collegiate School Zombie Prom

Olivia Schinker Cabot High School Matilda

Myla Coleman Germantown High School Footloose

Taylor Daniels Collierville High School Something Rotten!

THE BRAVO AWARD

Garrett Fleming Jackson Christian School Disney’s Freaky Friday

Gabby Watson Rayley Aven St. George’s Independent School Madison-Ridgeland Academy Disney’s Frozen Jr. Seussical the Musical

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION Matthew Eller — Jackson Christian School Disney’s Freaky Friday Phillip Nanney — New Albany High School Hello, Dolly! Tammy Holt — Briarcrest Christian School Little Women the Musical Matthew Morrison — Collierville High School Something Rotten! Joel P. Rogers — Houston High School Fiddler on the Roof Julie Millen & Nathan McHenry — St. Mary’s Episcopal School Mary Poppins Matthew Hayner — Bartlett High School Hello, Dolly!

OUTSTANDING FEATURED DANCER

Abi Roper Cabot High School Matilda

Gabriella Scarpace Collierville High School Something Rotten!

Abbey Price Julia Kate White Madison-Ridgeland Academy Christian Brothers High School Seussical the Musical The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Grayson Hoskin Madline Clark Fifi Younker St. Benedict at Auburndale St. George’s Independent School St. Mary’s Episcopal School The Spongebob Musical Frozen, Jr. Mary Poppins

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR Sponsored by Keri & Doug Gage

Darron Kastner

Hudson James

South Gibson County High School

Madison-Ridgeland Academy

Into the Woods

Seussical the Musical

Dakota Dodson Jackson Christian School Disney’s Freaky Friday

Jaxon Polk Conor Wells Briarcrest Christian School Christian Brothers High School Little Women the Musical The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Nathan Salvador Kessler Baker Chester County High School Evangelical Christian School Cinderella Grease

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS Sponsored by Robin & Billy Orgel

Sarah Johnson Houston High School Fiddler on the Roof

Malee Davidson Madison-Ridgeland Academy Seussical the Musical

Grayson Lee Cabot High School Matilda

Lucy Hettinger Hutchison The Addams Family

Summer Christian Germantown High School Footloose

Caroline West St. Mary’s Episcopal School Mary Poppins

Magdalena Gore St. Benedict at Auburndale The Spongebob Musical

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR

Jacob Mutter Luke Wilkins Chester County High School Evangelical Christian School Cinderella Little Women the Musical Grease Houston Kelly

Briarcrest Christian School

Cade Harkness Kyle Thomas Tipton-Rosemark Academy Lewisburg High School Little Shop of Horrors Disney’s High School Musical

Jakob Vernon Southaven High School Mamma Mia!

Caleb Meurrens Collierville High School Something Rotten!

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Emma Gaskill Jackson Christian School Disney’s Freaky Friday

Sydney Holladay Abigail Kirby Madison-Ridgeland Academy Briarcrest Christian School Seussical the Musical Little Women the Musical

Charlotte Jambon St. Benedict at Auburndale The Spongebob Musical

Jayda Dennis Germantown High School Footloose

Mia Floriani Evangelical Christian School Grease

Caroline Donnelly Fayette Academy Disney’s High School Musical

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR

Sponsored by Cheryl & Bill Stegbauer

Paige Austin Chester County High School Cinderella

Bella Littleton St. Mary’s Episcopal School Mary Poppins

Vera Brown Crosstown High School You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Anna Baccus Briarcrest Christian School Little Women the Musical

Audrey Holt Madison-Ridgeland Academy Seussical the Musical

Alix Brown Cabot High School Matilda

Taylor Roberson Jackson Christian School Disney’s Freaky Friday

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION BY A TEACHER

Sponsored by Lura Elliott Turner, honoring her mother, Helen Elliott, a music teacher Mary Beth Muncie — New Albany High School Hello, Dolly! Judy DeFrehn — Northpoint Christian School Oklahoma! Tim Vaziri — St. Benedict at Auburndale The Spongebob Musical Melani Morgan Blansett — Cabot High School Matilda John Smiley — Christian Brothers High School The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Rachel King-Barr — Briarcrest Christian School Little Women the Musical Chris Luter — Collierville High School Something Rotten!

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING OVERALL PRODUCTION Sponsored by Patty & George Alvord

Tipton-Rosemark Academy Little Shop of Horrors

New Albany High School Hello, Dolly!

Briarcrest Christian School Little Women the Musical

Northpoint Christian School Oklahoma!

Germantown High School Footloose

Cabot High School Matilda

Collierville High School Something Rotten!

SENIOR STAR COUNCIL STAR Council (Students Take A Role) is a service organization that offers any Memphis area High School student the opportunity to “take a role” by providing theatrically based opportunities for both learning and volunteering. Students meet monthly to participate in community service opportunities while also exploring how theatre works in service to the community it is a part of. Orpheum staff “headliners” speak to students about the many professional opportunities there are in the theatrical world and how every role is of service to the overall mission of the Orpheum. Students are also required to complete service hours by volunteering for fun opportunities such as ushering for Broadway Musicals, assisting with Kids Night on Broadway, and providing support for the High School Musical Theatre Awards. You can learn more about becoming a STAR Council member at Orpheum-Memphis.com/StarCouncil The following Senior STAR Council Students have completed all attendance and service requirements in order to be recognized as a Super STAR Senior!

Grace Brown

Clarence Davenport

Haven Davis

Campbell Gilreath

Skylar Harts

Bella Littleton

Erin McKee

Zoey Moore

Amalia Morton

Liana Stamm

Brandon Stevenson

Olivia Taylor

STAFF BIOS

JASON ESCHHOFEN is very excited to be back working on the High School Musical Theatre Awards this year! He has been a part of the music team since 2017. Jason is currently the Resident Sound Designer for Playhouse on the Square, and has been music directing at nearly every theatre in the mid-south over the past 10 years. Some of his favorites include Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Playhouse on the Square), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Theatre Memphis), Ruthless (Theatre Memphis), The Fantasticks (The Link Theatre Company in Jonesboro), Matilda (Harrell Theatre), and Next to Normal (Germantown Community Theatre). Jason has a B.A. in Voice Performance and Music Recording Technology from Bowling Green State University and a M.M. in Voice Performance from the University of Memphis. Huge thank you to Jennifer and Lena as well as all of the students who make this one of my favorite times of year! SANTYRIA JOHNSON is a Memphis native who began performing at age 7, and dancing competitively at age 9. She has spent over 20 years honing her passion for the performing arts. From dancing in her first ever live concert on stage at the Historic Orpheum Theatre at age 11, to singing at the FedExForum at age 13, Santyria has never wandered far from the stage.  Santyria is dedicated to the continuous development of her craft as a performer and Teaching Artist. She is a graduate of the Orpheum Theatre Group’s Teaching Artist Training Program. Her work as a choreographer and TA for the Orpheum includes facilitating creative movement, script writing, and storytelling workshops for its various programs. She has led beginner West African Dance workshops at the TL Williams Dance Academy, the Young Actors Guild, and at Collage Dance Collective in Memphis, TN. Her teaching style and regime are designed to encourage and support youth in the discovery, exploration, and nurturing of their artistic and creative gifts; her students form a new consciousness about themselves and their personal identities. ELIZABETH PERKINS is currently the Director of Admission and Marketing for Westminster Academy in Memphis, TN, but started her career as the Production Stage Manager at Theatre Memphis. In the twenty years since, she has been involved in over 95 productions in Memphis, both on and off stage, including stage managing 32 of those. In her spare time, Elizabeth serves as the Director for the Memphis Ostrander awards (Memphis’ theatre awards for collegiate, community, and professional theatre), a judge for the Orpheum’s High School Musical Theatre Awards, on the Board of Directors at Theatre Memphis, and routinely leads workshops for those interested in stage management.

TAYLOR ST. JOHN (he/him) is a theatre maker and educator and serves as the Director of Education and Engagement at the Orpheum Theatre Group in Memphis, TN. At the Orpheum he directs the Teaching Artist Training Program where he collaborates and coaches Mid-South artists to educate and engage with youth and communities. As a teaching artist, he has developed and led programs for the nationally recognized Coterie Theatre in Kansas City, the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, and most recently with the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. As a theatre director, he works at the intersection of theatre, community, and education. Recent directing credits include: My Hood/My Home/ My Sacred Haven, A Ferry Tale, Figuring Life Out, and The Gospel According to Bickford with the Orpheum Theatre Group, Pericles (Tennessee Shakespeare Co.), Shaming Jane Doe, She Kills Monsters (University of Memphis), and Elephant’s Graveyard (Voices of the South). He holds an MFA in Directing from the University of Memphis and degrees in Theatre and Education from Indiana University. LENA WALLACE BLACK is the Education and Community Engagement Manger at the Orpheum and is thrilled to be the new Managing Director of the HSMTAs! Lena has a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Memphis and is an Ostrander Award winning actress that has performed on most stages in the Memphis area. She has dedicated her career to educational theatre and is honored to be a part of this program that does so much to enrich the lives of theatre students in the tri-state area. JORDAN WELLS is a Teaching Artist with the Orpheum Theatre Group and a performing arts teacher with Tipton County Public Schools. Classically trained, he has performed various roles in musical theater and opera, such roles as Tobias (Sweeney Todd), Tony (West Side Story), and Rodolfo (La Boheme). Jordan is also an active music director in the Mid-South and artistic advisor to the Tipton Arts Council. TEQOSHA WHITE is new to the Orpheum family. Her title is Resident Teaching Artist with a focus on dance and visual artistry. She plans to use these gifts to bring the different sectors of Memphis together in community. She was the winner of ACT-SO competition, went on to dance in college, former member of Memphis Pom Team. She is the associate choreographer of HSMTAs.

JUDGES BIOS KAREN SHEPHERD CANTY is the Executive Assistant to the Artistic Director of New Ballet Ensemble & School. She has also served as Stage Manager, often as a volunteer, for many of New Ballet’s productions since moving to Memphis in 2011. She was drawn to New Ballet’s mission of bringing children and youth together by providing a professional standard of training, regardless of their ability to pay. As a Theatre major at The College of William & Mary, Karen focused on lighting design and technical theater. After college, she discovered a passion for stage management and worked for New York theatres, regional theatres, and opera companies including Playwrights’ Horizons, CenterStage, Berkeley Rep, Long Wharf Theatre, New York City Opera, and Wolf Trap Opera. Karen and her husband Ned met while working together in Lincoln Center, and moved to Memphis when he was hired as General Director of Opera Memphis. They share their home with 3 rescue mutts named PJ, Shorty, and Fiona and a constant stream of various foster dogs. JAMES KEVIN COCHRAN (he/him) received his BFA in Theatre from the University of Memphis. He is incredibly happy to return to the judging panel for his third season! Kevin has spent time acting for Gamut Theatre Group (Harrisburg, PA) and Hampstead Stage Company (Center Barnstead, NH), as well as directing for Theatre Memphis, Germantown Community Theatre, and New Moon Theatre Company, where he serves on the Board of Directors. Some favorite directing credits include Shockheaded Peter, The Pillowman, Killer Joe, Barefoot in the Park, Far Away, Gruesome Playground Injuries, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Some favorite acting credits include ‘Art’, Merry Wives of Windsor, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, How I Learned to Drive, The Normal Heart, As You Like It, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Physicists (Ostrander Award for Supporting Actor). His work is dedicated to his friends and family, both here and departed. www.jkevincochran.com MARCUS COX is a native of Memphis, TN and is a graduate of Watkins Overton High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. He is currently Director of Community Relations and Arts Marketer for Playhouse on the Square, a professional regional theatre company in Memphis’ Overton Square. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Performance from The University of Memphis, and has performed and traveled as a professional actor across the United States. Marcus is the former Staffing and Training Manager for Seasons 52 Restaurants in Atlanta, Tampa, New York, and Memphis. He also served as Public Relations Manager for the National Global America Pageant Organization. Currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Metro Memphis Attractions Association as Vice President, Marcus maintains memberships with the Young Professionals Council for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Lee Harris Professional Coun-

cil, The Miss America Organization, and Americans for the Arts, where he is also an Emerging Leaders Council member. A product of the Memphis Arts community, Marcus has performed in productions at the Hattiloo Theatre, Theatre Memphis, and with Playhouse on the Square. Marcus is a multiple time Ostrander winner with awards for Best Supporting Actor as Lucien in The Boys Next Door at The University of Memphis, Best Play for Jitney and The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the Freedom Rides at Hattiloo. He was recently honored in the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Class of 2021, a 2019 Kindle Awards Recipient and Who’s Who Among American Marketing Professionals. Married to his wife Tasha for 19 years they have one daughter, Kelsey, 14. Marcus and his family are members at Hope Presbyterian Church in Cordova and serve in the Marriage and Family ministry. SANDY KOZIK earned a BFA in Theatre and Journalism from U of M (before you were born) and attended Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College which led to ten years of touring with various circuses in the 70’s and 80’s. He returned to Memphis in 1988 and worked in arts integration programming for 30+ years using the aesthetic education techniques of Wolf Trap and Lincoln Center Institute. Before retiring in 2018, he was the Artistic Director of DeltaARTS. He continues to perform and direct with local theatre groups including Voices of the South, Friends of George’s, and Cazateatro. He still works as a teaching artist and designer. Sandy has been part of HSMTA since the beginning and strongly believes in the power of the arts to transform the lives of children of ALL ages. DAVE LANDIS is an Associate Director with Playhouse on the Square. He originally hails from West Des Moines, Iowa where he earned his BFA in Theatre from Drake University. Upon receiving his MFA in Acting from the University of Texas at Austin, he started with Playhouse on the Square as a Performance Intern in 1991 and joined the Resident Company the following season. During his tenure with Circuit Playhouse, Inc., Dave’s performance resume includes award-winning roles in Angels in America Parts 1 & 2 (Roy Cohn), Old Wicked Songs (Mashkan), Amadeus (Salieri), and A Man of No Importance (Alfie Byrne). Recognized as an accomplished award-winning director, Dave’s credits include Indecent, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Fun Home, The Bridges of Madison County, Caroline or Change, The Wild Party, Tuck Everlasting, Kinky Boots, Cabaret, Man of La Mancha, Corpus Christi, Frozen, Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, Ragtime, Hairspray, and most recently Little Shop of Horrors. ELIZABETH PERKINS is currently the Director of Admission and Marketing for Westminster Academy in Memphis, TN, but started her career as the Production Stage Manager at Theatre Memphis. In the twenty years since, she has been involved in over

JUDGES BIOS

95 productions in Memphis, both on and off stage, including stage managing 32 of those. In her spare time, Elizabeth serves as the Director for the Memphis Ostrander awards (Memphis’ theatre awards for collegiate, community, and professional theatre), a judge for the Orpheum’s High School Musical Theatre Awards, on the Board of Directors at Theatre Memphis, and routinely leads workshops for those interested in stage management. ANGELA SHULTZ is a MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Award winning singer, actor and teaching artist who has appeared in cabaret clubs across NYC and was part of the 100th anniversary national tour of Titanic as Alice Beane. She appeared in NYC productions including Assassins (Sara Jane Moore), This Very Moment (Stomping Ground Theatre), Making God and Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Midtown Int’l Festival), and A Casual Gathering (Theatre for the New City). She also has many regional credits including Closer Than Ever (Miss Byrd), Titanic (Alice Beane) and has been in several incarnations of Nunsense! A Missouri native, Angela holds a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from University of Memphis, a Master of Arts in Theatre Education and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. She has taught at U of M, Playhouse on the Square, Fontbonne University, Jefferson College, as well as NYC’s Professional Performing Arts School, Wingspan Arts, Stages St. Louis and others. Angela is the co-founder of Stomping Ground Theatre Company, NYC and joins the faculty at Southern Illinois University this fall as Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre! Thank you for supporting arts education! Congrats to all for your outstanding work in high schools this year! MELISSA VANPELT was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She is a graduate of Overton High School where she was a member of the choir. Upon graduation, Melissa went to AMDA (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in New York City. Her musical theater credits include Hairspray on Broadway as Inez, Hairspray (National Tour) as Inez/understudy Dynamites, Ain’t Misbehavin, Once on this Island, Dreamgirls, Fame, and Purlie. She also performed in the 25th Anniversary of Hairspray with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra featuring John Waters. While living in NYC, Melissa joined the USO Show troupe, serving as dance captain and traveling the country performing for the military and their families. Melissa has been a featured vocalist at various amusement parks and cruise ships, starting with Libertyland, and is the recipient of the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) award for female vocalist of the year. After 12 years in NYC, she returned to Memphis and continues to work in commercials (Fedex, NST Law firm, Southland Casino, Draft Kings, David Gordon Law Firm, Jimmy Gray Chevrolet), film, (Coming To Africa, This Can’t Be Life Web Series, Choices Short Film) and as a choreographer. Next up, Melissa will

be the lead in a non-union feature film shooting in Atlanta this summer. LARJUANETTE WILLIAMS, an award winning stage and screen actress, that also writes, directs, choreographs and produces stage and film works. “Lar” is currently the Executive Director of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, and is dedicated to aligning Artists of Color with Opportunities to preserve, celebrate and advance Arts, literature, and culture in the Greater Memphis area. Since 2016, MBAA has trained over 7,000 children, engaged 15,371 patrons, and has managed to employ 1,007 local Artists of Color. Lar’Juanette received her BFA from University of North Texas in Communications/Speech, her MA from University of Southern California in Sociology and is a graduate of the esteemed Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Production in Los Angeles, California. She landed a number of roles on television and film projects including Seinfeld, ER, Chicago Hope, Ghost of Mississippi, and Spy Hard. She is most noted for her portrayal as Effie White in Dreamgirls (National Broadway Tour), winning the Broadway World Award for Best Actress in a Musical, as well as the coveted Ostrander Award for the regional performance here in Memphis at Playhouse On The Square in 2000. Lar’Juanette has directed and produced more than 50 musical theater productions, including Annie, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Joseph, Godspell, & Little Shop of Horrors.

Congratulations

to Collierville High School’s

Large Ensemble Chorus Student Orchestra Dance Execution Choreography Poster Artistic Element Costumes Lighting Technical Achievement

on their 21 nominations!

Student Creative Achievement – Ashlyn Bradford Student Technical Achievement – Jessica Hudgins Student Technical Achievement – Sofia Ragland Student Stage Manager – Taylor Daniels Music Direction Featured Dancer – Gabriella Scarpace Supporting Actor – Caleb Meurrens Lead Actor – Nic Luter Lead Actor – Clarence Davenport Director – Chris Luter Overall Production

to the

CAST and CREW of GREASE!

Nominated for: Outstanding Student Orchestra Outstanding Choreography Outstanding Set Outstanding Student Stage Management Cadee Tait Outstanding Featured Actor Kessler Baker - Teen Angel Outstanding Supporting Actor Luke Wilkins - Kenickie Outstanding Supporting Actress Mia Floriani - Rizzo

We are so PROUD of you all!

We are still driven by the mission to go and make disciples. 50 years and going strong. Since 1972, First Assembly Christian School has sought to offer quality education in a Christ-centered environment, an education rivaling what is found in the public school system. The difference? Our mission. We strive to build a culture that honors Jesus Christ, one another and the community. Students learn Christian values and develop their gifts in academics, athletics and the creative arts in a safe, nurturing environment on one well appointed, 55-acre campus.

facsmemphis.org

Inspiring Minds for Learning & Hearts for Christ.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.. James 1:17 Congratulations on your first nomination Fayette Academy!

Congratulations

to the Harding Academy theatre department on their Outstanding Costumes nomination for Little Women Serving 6 weeks–grade 12 in the heart of east Memphis

www.hardinglions.org

St. George’s congratulates the talented cast and crew of

Nominated for “Outstanding Large Ensemble” Madline Clarke ’23 nominated for “Outstanding Featured Dancer” Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards

sgis.org

Congratulations to the

St. Agnes Academy Cast and Crew of

Disney’s “Descendants” NOMINATED FOR Outstanding Front of House Outstanding Artistic Element - The Magic Wand Outstanding Small Ensemble

EST.

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www.saa-sds.org

St. Agnes Academy

4830 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN 38117 901-767-1377

Creative Achievement Award - Addie Brady

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Visit Today!

Congratulations St. Benedict at Auburndale congratulates Mr. Tim Vaziri, Director of Performing Arts, and the cast and crew of The Spongebob Musical on 10 total nominations in 2022!

Outstanding Direction By A Teacher - Tim Vaziri Outstanding Lead Actor - Alex Villem Outstanding Supporting Actress - Charlotte Jambon Outstanding Featured Actress - Maggie Gore Outstanding Featured Dancer - Grayson Hoskin Outstanding Student Creative Achievement - Bruna DaRosa Outstanding Hair & Makeup Outstanding Dance Execution Outstanding Choreography Outstanding Front of House

Congratulations to All the Winners! 10 MARY POPPINS NOMINATIONS Outstanding Large Ensemble Outstanding Chorus Outstanding Dance Execution Outstanding Choreography Outstanding Lighting Outstanding Set Outstanding Music Direction — Julie Millen and Nathan McHenry Outstanding Featured Dancer — Fifi Younker Outstanding Featured Actress — Caroline West Outstanding Lead Actress — Bella Littleton

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For girls. For life. For 175 years.

60 Perkins Extended | Memphis, TN | (901) 537-1405 | www.stmarysschool.org St. Mary’s does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic or national origin in admission or in any other activities or programs of the School.

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EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

ENGAGING STUDENTS, TEACHERS, FAMILIES, AND THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS The Orpheum Theatre Group believes in the power of the arts to transform the world on a local and global level. We strive to provide access to quality arts programming for all people and to educate and build community through collaboration, story-sharing, and creative expression. We build confidence and creativity. We create space for people to share their truths and hear the truths of others, engaging in listening and dialogue that can heal and inspire us. We cultivate future onstage and behind-the-scenes leaders of the arts industry and more empathetic humans who are effective and compassionate communicators. We empower educators by providing innovative educational strategies that connect with students of all abilities. We celebrate and uplift existing communities while building bridges among others. We create social change and transformation through arts-inspired action. And most importantly, we celebrate our differences while simultaneously discovering our shared humanity and building bridges across communities.

Vice President of Education & Community Engagement.....................Jennifer McGrath Director of Education & Engagement.......................................................Taylor St. John Education & Engagement Manager....................................................Lena Wallace Black Resident Teaching Artist...............................................................................Teqosha White Education & Engagement Administrator......................................................Verity Hwang

ENTERTAIN. EDUCATE. ENLIGHTEN. The mission of the Orpheum Theatre Group is to enhance the communities we serve by utilizing the performing arts to entertain, educate, and enlighten while preserving the historic Orpheum Theatre and the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we rely on your contributions to keep the sparkle in our chandeliers and the glimmer in our gold leaf. Your generosity helps us take students on learning adventures, provides professional development workshops for local educators, and makes the arts accessible to all Mid-South families.

Learn more at Orpheum-Memphis.com/Give

EVERY GIFT MATTERS As a non-profit theatre, the Orpheum relies on the financial support of individuals — like you — to help make magic and realize its mission including:

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

THE BEST OF ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS EDUCATION

Visit us online and learn all the ways you can give.

This performing arts day camp is for young people who have experienced the death of one or both parents. Surrounded by a community of peers who have experienced a similar loss, campers explore their creativity through a variety of performing arts activities that encourage community and collaboration while celebrating the unique talents of each individual camper and giving them creative space to express themselves, build self-confidence, and develop friendships that let them see they are not alone.

Grades 3-5 July 11-15 • 9am-4pm Halloran Centre

Grades 6-8 July 18-29 • 9am-4pm Halloran Centre

Registration closes June 20

Registration closes June 27

Orpheum-Memphis.com/MendingHearts $50 per family.

Scholarships are available. No child will be turned away due to financial hardship.

BROADWAY’S NEXT GENERATION! Two students from our program will join teens from across the U.S. to compete for top honors in a one-night-only showcase at

WATCH ONLINE JUNE 27 Or join us at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre Viewing and ticket info:

JimmyAwards.com @JimmyAwards Presented by

UPCOMING EVENTS

AN R-RATED MAGIC SHOW HALLORAN CENTRE JUNE 3

BRIT FLOYD ORPHEUM THEATRE JUNE 5

THE MEMPHIS HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS AWARDS ORPHEUM THEATRE JUNE 6

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: ASTRONOMY BIZARRE ORPHEUM THEATRE JUNE 7

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET HALLORAN CENTRE JUNE 7-12

LITTLE RIVER BAND ORPHEUM THEATRE JUNE 11

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR ORPHEUM THEATRE JUNE 28-JULY 3

FOREIGNER ORPHEUM THEATRE AUGUST 11

BILL CHERRY...THE FINAL CURTAIN HALLORAN CENTRE AUGUST 13

HARPER LEE’S TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD ORPHEUM THEATRE AUGUST 16-21

STEVE MARTIN & MARTIN SHORT ORPHEUM THEATRE SEPTEMBER 24

PRETTY WOMAN ORPHEUM THEATRE OCTOBER 11-16