2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards by Orpheum Theatre

May 23, 2024

MARQUEE

SEASON TICKETS START AT $35 PER SHOW! VISIT ORPHEUM-MEMPHIS.COM/SEASON.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO

Dear High School Musical Theatre Fans,

Welcome to the 2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards –celebrating our 15th anniversary of the program this year! This is an exciting night at the Orpheum and one we look forward to all year.

Working in the business of Broadway, I often hear concerns about the future of the American theatre. The future of our art form depends upon the younger generation of performers and administrators. And as you will see this evening, the talent level of these young people is higher than it has ever been. Given this talent, I am confident the theatre of tomorrow is in very capable hands!

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, as in the past, we also have some non-adjudicated schools represented at the awards. We are happy to welcome these schools, as well as our new partners at the Memphis Youth Symphony Program, to the HSMTAs.

The Orpheum Theatre Group’s Education and Community Engagement Department put a lot of effort into these awards every year. From administrators, 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 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 HSMTAs program. It is the only regional program in the country that crosses three state lines. Our finalists make us smile every year when they go to NYC to participate in the Jimmy Awards. The productions performed in high schools throughout the MidSouth are top notch in every way. What you are about to see on stage confirms that!

Thank you for being here tonight. Enjoy the 2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards.

Brett Batterson President & CEO Orpheum Theatre Group

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Managing Director................................................................................Lena Wallace Black Director..........................................................................................................Taylor St. John

Music Direction/Band Leader/Musical Arrangements.........................Jason Eschhofen

Music Director..................................................................................................Jordan Wells

Choreographer....................................................................................A. Santyria Johnson

Associate Choreographer........................................................................Rachael Arnwine

Stage Manager..........................................................................................Elizabeth Perkins

Assistant Stage Manager.....................................................................Sherronda Johnson

Lead Liaison/Assistant Director ..........................................Kyle Van Frank, HSMTA Alum

Voice of the HSMTAs.....................................................................................John Phillians

Technical Director........................................................................................Chuck Materna

Lighting Designer...................................................................................John “Jeo” Owens

Audio & Video Production.........................................................................Production One Ceremony Filming...........................................................Andy Dean Production Services

Week in Review & Production Video.................................................Action Factory NYC

Backstage Coordinators..............................................Rhyan Alleman and Verity Hwang

Musicians.............................Belinda Brannon, Larry Gooch, Corbin Miles, Pete Vescovo Program Designer.........................................................................................Nathan Ashby

Nominations Announcement Video.........................................................Jessica Johnson

Judges.......................................................................Lawrence Blackwell, Kevin Cochran, Marcus Cox, Sandy Kozik, Eileen Kuo, Dave Landis, Mandy Martin, Elizabeth Perkins, Gerardo Rivillas, Courtney Sage, Meredith Serna, Evelyn Young, Niambi Webster

Lead Actor & Actress Panel..................Lawrence Blackwell, Sandy Kozik, Dave Landis, Breyannah Tillman, Melissa VanPelt Johnson

Student Technical, Creative, & Stage Management Panel..................Becky Caspersen, Jeremy Fisher, Sherronda Johnson

Host.........................................................................................Whit Robbins, HSMTA Alum

Executive Producer..................................................................................Jennifer McGrath

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Our generous sponsors, the Orpheum Theatre Group Board of Directors, the Orpheum Theatre Group Staff, Friends of the Orpheum (FOTO) Volunteers, Orpheum STAR Council, IATSE Crew, Memphis Youth Symphony Program, New Moon Theatre, Tangela Mathis, Katelyn Sosebee, and the countless others who make this event possible.

PRODUCTION STAFF

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Arlington High School - Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Bartlett High School - Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Briarcrest Christian School - Curtains School Edition

Brighton High School - Non-Adjudicated Participant

Cabot High School - Alice by Heart

Chester County High School - Catch Me If You Can

Christian Brothers High School - She Loves Me

Collierville High School - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Corinth High School - Newsies

Crosstown High - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Desoto Christian Academy - The World According to Snoopy

East High School - Non-Adjudicated Participant

Evangelical Christian School - Mary Poppins

Fayette Academy - All Shook Up

First Assembly Christian School - RoaldDahl’sJamesandtheGiantPeach

Germantown High School - In The Heights

Harding Academy Searcy - The Wizard of Oz

Harding Academy of Memphis - Seussical

Hernando High School - Shrek the Musical

Houston High School - Urinetown

Hutchison - Annie

Jackson Christian School - Shrek the Musical

Jackson Preparatory School - My Fair Lady

Lakeland Preparatory School - The Lightning Thief

Lausanne Collegiate School - The Addams Family

Lewisburg High School - Big Fish School Edition

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Madison-Ridgeland Academy - Tuck Everlasting

Memphis University School - Mamma Mia!

Middle College High School - Non-Adjudicated Participant

Milan High School - The Lightning Thief

Millington Central Middle High School - Non-Adjudicated Participant

Munford High School - Hello, Dolly!

New Albany High School - Mary Poppins

Northpoint Christian School - Anastasia

Overton High School for the Creative and Performing ArtsJoseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Pulaski Academy - Little Women

Sacred Heart of Jesus High School - The Wind in the Willows

South Gibson County High School - Disney’sDescendants:TheMusical

Southaven High School - Mean Girls High School Version

St. Agnes Academy - The Addams Family

St. Benedict at Auburndale - Xanadu

St. George’s Independent School - Freaky Friday

St. Mary’s Episcopal School - Legally Blonde

The Academies at Jonesboro High School - Oklahoma!

The Collegiate School of Memphis - Non-Adjudicated Participant

Tipton Christian Academy - Non-Adjudicated Participant

Tipton-Rosemark Academy - Into the Woods

University High School - Non-Adjudicated Participant

White Station High School - Mean Girls High School Version

Wynne High School - Into the Woods

OPENING & CLOSING PERFORMERS

Aja Jones

Alexas Joyner

Alleia Bakker

Anna Heflin

Anna Claire Jackson

Annaliese Nichols

Anora Moyer

Ari Short

Bailee VanLandingham

Bridie Maki

Brit Witherspoon

Bryce Seay

Caden Emerson

Camden Barber

Chris-Tina Vinnett

Cody Floyd

Daniel Donato

Dezaray Futrell

Drew Shelton

Drew Caldwell

Elin McDaniel

Ella Noles

Elle Fowler

Emma Hedstrom

Emma Lockwood

Erica Morgan

Estella Jewel Goad

Ethan Choo

Eva Trout

Evan Stone

Evelyn Dluhos

Evie Bartlett

Grace Elizabeth Wade

Grant Hawkins

Gray Patterson

Jacob Mutter

Janiya Crutchfield

Jay Love

JennaGrace Jonkman

Jillian Skye Taylor

Jon Worth Garrett

Jonah McKin

Jonathan Weston

Joshua Joy

Karleigh Armstrong

Kasadei Scott

Kate Spiegelman

Kayla George

Kaylee Payne

Kenzie Loeffel

Kyle Thomas

Lainey Rarick

Leah Brown

Liam Turner

Liza Pence

Logan Smith

Logan Tyms

Lucy Cothern

Madelyn Stiles

Mallory Lafferty

Marshall Rowland

Mason Payne

Meredith Ables

Mia Mazzoccoli

Mitchell Cohen

Morgan Whitaker

Payton Martin

Quinton Slater

Reagan Whitledge

Regan Scott

Rhegan Hunter

Riley Burgio

Sarah Fletcher

Shanndon Bramlett

Sofia Guadalupe

Sophia de Lucena

Spencer Malahy

Tamia Anderson

Teresa Nuckolls

Trad Longeway

Tucker Gladden

Tyler Curry

Whitney Garland

Witt Ezzell

Yocelin Lopez

Zoey Yale

STUDENT MUSICIANS

In partnership with the Memphis Youth Symphony Program

The Orpheum Theatre Group is proud to welcome a new partnership for the 2024 season, creating the opportunity for student musicians to rehearse and perform alongside professional artists in our pit orchestra for the 15th Anniversary performance tonight! We are grateful to the Memphis Youth Symphony Program for engaging in this partnership and look forward to its continued development helping us cultivate and recognize young musical artists who provide invaluable enhancement of High School Musical Theatre through their live accompaniment in the orchestra. For more information about the Memphis Youth Symphony, please visit myspmusic.org.

Executive Director, Memphis Youth Symphony Program.........Brittany Cooper-d’Orsay Director of Operations, Memphis Youth Symphony Program.......................Jenny Davis

Flute..................................................................Mackenzie Mapes, Hernando High School

Clarinet 1..........................................Misha Medvedchuk, Christian Brothers High School

Clarinet 2.............................................................Emily Zhang, White Station High School

Reed Doubler........................................................Sam Scull, Evangelical Christian School

Alto Sax..........................................Brandon Criswell, Faith Heritage Christian Academy

Trumpet.....................................................Justin Bowers, Christian Brothers High School

Horn........................................................................Cameron Allen, Arlington High School

Trombone............................................................Alan Cheng, Memphis University School

Violin........................................................................Jack Feng, White Station High School

Cello..................................................................................Oscar Ruiz, Bartlett High School

A MESSAGE FROM OUR VP OF EDUCATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND HALLORAN CENTRE PROGRAMMING

Welcome to the 2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards and our 15th anniversary!

We are thrilled to have you join us this evening to witness the passion, dedication, and talent of students and educators from all over the Mid-South. As the only regional HSMTA program serving 3 states, we are proud to serve 50 schools at no cost and be able to include schools in the program regardless of whether or not they have produced a musical, ensuring greater access and opportunity.

New this year, we are honored to be in partnership with the Memphis Youth Symphony Program to include 10 young and talented musicians in the pit orchestra alongside our professional players tonight. Thank you to MYSP for sparking this idea and to our incredible musical team for making it possible. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to see this partnership grow and enhance the program.

As we look back to the Golden Age of Musicals tonight, we are reminded that there truly is “no business like show business” and the value of what it can bring to the world – especially to our young people and schools. Thank you for continuing to support the program and help us continue to enrich the lives of these talented teens through creative expression, community building, and the joy of being seen, being heard, and sharing their talents with you.

With much gratitude and in community,

Jennifer McGrath Vice President of Education, Community Engagement, and Halloran Centre Programming Orpheum Theatre Group

MAY 31-JUNE 2 • ORPHEUM ORPHEUM-MEMPHIS.COM SPONSORED LOCALLY BY

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 Presented by Viewing and ticket info: JimmyAwards.com Stream online or join us at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre @JimmyAwards BROADWAY’S NEXT GENERATION! ® JUNE 24, 2024

A standing ovation to all the nominees!

PICKLER WEALTH ADVISORS

DAVID AND BETH PICKLER

is proud to sponsor this year’s Awards!

Congrats to all the nominees!

— Cheryl and Bill Stegbauer

-

Break a leg!

Lisa and John Bobango

Proud sponsor of the High School Musical Theatre Awards since 2010

Congratulations and best wishes to all the nominees!

Thanks for lighting up the stage PRODUCTION ONE!

OUTSTANDING SMALL ENSEMBLE

OUTSTANDING LARGE ENSEMBLE

OUTSTANDING CHORUS

OUTSTANDING STUDENT ORCHESTRA

OUTSTANDING DANCE EXECUTION

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY

OUTSTANDING PLAYBILL

OUTSTANDING POSTER

OUTSTANDING FRONT OF HOUSE

OUTSTANDING ARTISTIC ELEMENT

sponsored by Dr. Mike and Lisa Cockrell - Cockrell Family Medical Center

The Rat’s Boat – Sacred Heart of Jesus High School – The Wind in the Willows

Milky White - Tipton-Rosemark Academy – Into the Woods

The Flower Cart – Jackson Preparatory School – My Fair Lady

The Exploding Toilet – Milan High School – The Lightning Thief

The Light Up Cubes – DeSoto Christian Academy –The World According to Snoopy

The Bug Puppets – First Assembly Christian School –

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING HAIR AND MAKEUP

sponsored by Blo Blow Dry Bar - Germantown

Bartlett High School – Disney’s The Little Mermaid

St. Agnes Academy – The Addams Family

Houston High School – Urinetown

Christian Brothers High School – She Loves Me

Jackson Preparatory School – My Fair Lady

New Albany High School – Mary Poppins

St. Benedict at Auburndale – Xanadu

OUTSTANDING COSTUMES

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING

sponsored by Andy Dean Production Services

Chester County High School – Catch Me If You Can

New Albany High School – Mary Poppins

Lakeland Preparatory School – The Lightning Thief

The Academies at Jonesboro High School – Oklahoma!

St. Agnes Academy – The Addams Family

Collierville High School – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Evangelical Christian School – Mary Poppins

OUTSTANDING SET

sponsored by Veronica and Brett Batterson

St. Agnes Academy – The Addams Family

Madison-Ridgeland Academy – Tuck Everlasting

Lausanne Collegiate School – The Addams Family

Christian Brothers High School – She Loves Me

Pulaski Academy – Little Women

Collierville High School – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

St. Benedict at Auburndale – Xanadu

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING STUDENT CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

OUTSTANDING STUDENT TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

by Sherry and Don Williams

sponsored Andrea Fernandez Munford High School Hello, Dolly! Brooke Smith Collierville High School Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Ari Short Lewisburg High School Big Fish School Edition McKinley Ables Cabot High School Alice by Heart Elisha Leake Wynne High School Into the Woods John Dewey-Hudson St. George’s Independent School Freaky Friday Quinton Slater South Gibson County High School Disney’sDescendants:TheMusical Claire Cagle Chester County High School Catch Me If You Can Emma Petit St. Benedict at Auburndale Xanadu Carly Townsend Collierville High School Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Kaylon Wyles Munford High School Hello, Dolly! Will Thompson Madison-Ridgeland Academy Tuck Everlasting Cade Dycus Milan High School The Lightning Thief Kayla Stafford Collierville High School Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING STUDENT STAGE MANAGEMENT

THE BRAVO AWARD

NOMINEES

THE INSPIRING TEACHER AWARD

OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION

sponsored by Elvis Presley’s Graceland

Krisie Holmes – The Academies at Jonesboro High School – Oklahoma!

Tate Hansen – Lakeland Preparatory School – The Lightning Thief

Brittany Navarro – St. Benedict at Auburndale – Xanadu

Daniel Ward – Christian Brothers High School – She Loves Me

Carol Ann Williams – Chester County High School – Catch Me If You Can

Matt Morrison – Collierville High School – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Phillip Nanney – New Albany High School – Mary Poppins

Maggie Reeves Crosstown High Ashley Bugg Brown Lausanne Collegiate School Joseph Powell White Station High School Mary Beth Muncie New Albany High School Ted Fockler Memphis University School Chris Luter Collierville High School Marsha Lantz Milan High School

OUTSTANDING FEATURED DANCER

sponsored by A. Santyria Johnson

Addie White Desoto Christian Academy The World According to Snoopy Maya Montgomery Southaven High School MeanGirlsHighSchoolVersion GiGi Kersey Northpoint Christian School Anastasia Abigail Fox Harding Academy Searcy The Wizard of Oz Samuel Gray Corinth High School Newsies

JULY 23-28 ORPHEUM-MEMPHIS.COM

Owen McCulley Sacred Heart of Jesus High School The Wind in the Willows

NOMINEES

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS

sponsored by LRK Seth Latham Tipton-Rosemark Academy Into the Woods Toby Harrell Arlington High School Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Mac Collins St. Benedict at Auburndale Xanadu Chase Epps Hernando High School Shrek the Musical Lucca Scarpace Collierville High School Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Nathan Salvador Chester County High School Catch Me If You Can Levi Adair Fayette Academy All Shook Up Meredith Rowland Evangelical Christian School Mary Poppins Makenzie Krennerich The Academies at Jonesboro High School Oklahoma! Danni Rogers St. Agnes Academy The Addams Family Olivia Court Northpoint Christian School Anastasia Emma McClellan St. Agnes Academy The Addams Family Morgan Conner Bartlett High School Disney’s The Little Mermaid Camille Van Epps St. Benedict at Auburndale Xanadu

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION BY A TEACHER

sponsored by Lura Elliott Turner, in honor of her favorite music teacher, her mother, Helen Elliott

Ann Lane Neal

St. Agnes Academy – The Addams Family

Stacey Peeney

St. Benedict at Auburndale - Xanadu

Chris Luter and Ashleigh Williams

Collierville High School – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

John Smiley

Christian Brothers High School – She Loves Me

Lauren Suddoth

Hernando High School – Shrek the Musical

Mary Beth Muncie

New Albany High School – Mary Poppins

Jeff White and Alison Garland

Lakeland Preparatory School - The Lightning Thief

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

EDUCATE. ENLIGHTEN.

ENTERTAIN.

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING OVERALL PRODUCTION

JUDGES BIOS

LAWRENCE BLACKWELL is the Director of InSchools Programs at Memphis Music Initiative. As a performing artist, Lawrence has created, directed, and performed pieces that explore African American and Latino American culture. As a professor of theatre, he has worked at Colombia College Chicago, The University of Memphis, Rhodes College, Southwest Community College, and LeMoyne Owen College. He currently serves on the Board of Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre and the Memphis/Shelby County Film Commission.

KEVIN COCHRAN (he/him) is excited to return for his sixth season as an HSMTA judge! He received his BFA in Theatre from the University of Memphis (Class of 2015). He has had the opportunity to work around the country with Harrisburg Shakespeare Company, Popcorn Hat Players Children’s Theatre, and Hampstead Stage Company, as well as the Orpheum, 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 (Ostrander Nominee for Direction), Wit, To Kill a Mockingbird, Barefoot in the Park, The Pillowman, and Killer Joe. Some favorite acting credits include Art, Twelfth Night, The Normal Heart, 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 Executive Director of Welcome to Memphis, a nonprofit subsidiary to Memphis Tourism. He is a graduate of Watkins Overton High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Performance from The University of Memphis. He has performed and traveled as a professional actor across the United States; in Memphis, he has been in productions at Hattiloo, Theatre Memphis, and Playhouse on the Square – where he served as the former Director of Community Relations and Arts Marketing Cohort. Marcus is a multiple time Ostrander winner with awards for Best Supporting Actor for his role in American Son at Theatre Memphis. He was honored with the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Class of 2021 certification, a 2019 Kindle Awards Recipient and Who’s Who Among American Marketing Professionals. He is currently a member of the 2024 Leadership Memphis Executive Class. Marcus, his wife of 20 years, Tasha, and their daughter, Kelsey, are members of Hope Presbyterian Church in Cordova and serve in the Marriage and Family Ministry.

SANDY KOZIK BFA in Theatre from U of Memphis; Ringling Bros. Clown College (’77) toured with the Clyde Beatty/Cole Bros. Circus for ten years. He spent the next 30 years as an Arts Education Administrator using the aesthetic education models of Lincoln Center and Wolf Trap at DeltaARTS in West Memphis, AR. and other nonprofits in Memphis. Although retired, he still acts, directs, and is a teaching artist. He is on the board of Friends of George’s (the group that sued Tennessee over the anti-drag bill) and believes that

theatre is a safe place for all. He has been with HSMTA since it began in Memphis. He and his husband live with a Pug and Boston Terrier in midtown.

EILEEN KUO is thrilled to have had the opportunity to watch so many great performances this HSMTA season and enjoy the talents of so many fantastic students. Eileen has been music directing in Memphis since 2011 and also often performs in the pit and occasionally on stage. Past credits include playing W in Lungs (Quark), music directing The Prom (Playhouse on the Square), directing Hundred Days (GCT), music directing Bright Star (GCT), Honky Tonk Angels (GCT), Hissifit (Rhodes), Shockheaded Peter (New Moon), and Lizzie (New Moon), and performing in Twelfth Night (New Moon) and Motherhood the Musical (GCT).

DAVE LANDIS serves as the 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 an 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 33 year journey 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). 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, Ragtime, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 and is currently in rehearsals for Playhouse’s upcoming production of Catch Me If You Can.

MANDY MARTIN (she/her) is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Musical Theater department at the University of Memphis. She’s been active on (and behind) stages and mics for over 20 years, including worldwide commercials, 2 summers with an international circus, radio plays, ShoWagon at Theater Memphis, and performing with the Side Street Steppers all across the South. Some of her favorite roles in musicals over the years include Anna in The King & I, Shelley in Batboy, and the Ballet Corp in Phantom of the Opera. She is so thrilled to join these wonderful judges for such an inspiring program and to be able to share her knowledge with new artists! She is currently a wedding planner using her skills “backstage” on wedding days all over the midsouth. When she’s not judging High School Theater, she can be found reading in a cozy chair near her partner, two cats (Gizmo & Charade) and pet snake (Ichabod). Congratulations to all the artists who hear the call and share the stage!

ELIZABETH PERKINS currently works with K-12 independent schools on their marketing efforts with the North Star Management Agency. Previously, she

JUDGES BIOS

served as 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 100 productions in Memphis, both on and off stage, including stage managing over 35 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), as 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.

GERARDO RIVILLAS is a Colombian actor, producer and photographer who graduated from the Guidhall School of Music and Drama in London, England and DECA and Charlott acting schools in Bogotá, Colombia. He has taken acting courses with the Teatro Nacional in Bogotá, Colombia and graduated from Zona Cinco, a professional photography school in Bogotá, Colombia. He is also a graduate of the Orpheum Theatre Group 2022 Teaching Artist Training Program. With more than 17 years of experience in acting, he has worked in different projects such as plays, TV commercials, musicals, music videos, institutional videos, and TV series. Gerardo is also a voice over actor for television and movies and continues to work looking for opportunities to develop this talent. He was also part of “The Drag Boat” with FRIENDS OF GEORGE Theatre Company and “Soulful Murder Mystery” with Princeton James Production. He is currently part of the ensemble with Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group and recently won an ALL-STAR CAST award at the Southeastern Theater Conference for his performance in Cazateatro’s adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood.

COURTNEY SAGE (she/her/hers) is honored to be a part of this year’s High School Musical Theatre Awards! She is a native Memphian as well as an alum of the HSMTA program. Courtney holds her BFA in Theatre Performance from University of Memphis (‘16). After her time there, she received the opportunity to work for programs such as The Orpheum’s Broadway Boot Camp, ShoWagon at Theatre Memphis, and the Memphis Grizzlies Mentoring Program. Some of her favorite performance credits include Baskerville, Clue, Pride and Prejudice, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. She’s also served as Assistant Director for Wit with GCT and Fools with Rhodes Theatre Guild. Her next project will be A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Theatre Memphis. When she’s not at the theatre, Courtney proudly serves as the School and Company Manager for Ballet Memphis. “A big thank you to Lena, Jen and the whole education department at OTG for all of their hard work on this program and allowing me to be included! Congrats to all of the participants on a great year of high school theatre!”

MEREDITH SERNA is so happy to have just completed her first season as an HSMTA judge. Meredith has been involved in the Memphis theatre community for over a decade as a stage manager, patron, former Ostrander judge, and first year board member at GCT. She has been lucky enough to work with Germantown Community Theatre, Lone Tree Live, Threepenny Theatre Company, Harrell Theatre and most recently at Theatre Memphis. She is so glad to be in such a close knit theatre community and to have the opportunity to help provide support, feedback, and encouragement to the students of the Mid-South.’

NIAMBI D. WEBSTER is a native of Batesville, AR, with degrees from Drake University, Mankato State University, University of Iowa, and Jacksonville Theological Seminary. She has played in over 30 theatrical productions throughout her career and directed over 23 plays. In Memphis she has worked with Playhouse on the Square, Hattiloo, Theatre Memphis, Bluff City Theatre, New Moon, and Opera Memphis. She is a proud recipient of “The Artist of the Year Award” from the State of Iowa Arts Council. She serves as co-director of The Spoken Word for the African Methodist Episcopal Church 13th District Christian Education Department and is the dramatics, poetry performance and oratory coordinator for the N.A.A.C.P. Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). Currently she produces and directs plays at her church Wilson Chapel AME where she is an Associate Pastor. Most recently she completed the Orpheum Theatre Group Teaching Artist Training Program and performed in Exodus: Recreation, sponsored by The InHEIRitance Project.

EVELYN YOUNG is a Midwestern lady living in the South and enjoying the life of culture in Memphis. A member of Hope Church, she sings in the choir, and is also an avid supporter of several non-profits in our community. This is her second year with the HSMTAs. Evelyn has crossed the stage a few times over the past 48 years taking roles in a wide range of productions including Show Boat, Chicago, Smokey Joe’s Café, Raisin in the Sun, Mama I Want to Sing, We Shall Overcome, Dreamgirls, Annie, Black Cabaret, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. In 2017, she was named by Broadway World News as Best Featured Actress in a Musical over age 25 for her role as Ms. Hannigan in Annie. She has one son and five grandchildren and strives to maintain a valued and balanced connection that engages her interests spiritually, personally, and professionally. Her time and focus for dedicated service, collaborative support and the greater good to make a difference now are merited to her strong faith in God and belief that we all must give back to get something out of life.

A Standing Ovation for Briarcrest Christian School’s 2023-2024 Theatre Season 76 S. Houston Levee Road • Eads, TN 38028 • 901.765.4600 briarcrest.com The Little Prince High School Production Aladdin Elementary Musical Curtains High School Musical Frozen Middle School Musical

We are so proud of our amazing cast and crew!

J A M E S AND THE GIANT PEACH

NOMINATED FOR:

OUTSTANDING SMALL ENSEMBLE- THE INSECTS

OUTSTANDING PLAYBILL

OUTSTANDING POSTER

STANDING ARTISTIC ELEMENT- THE BUG PUPPETS

Academy

Nominated for:

• Outstanding Supporting Actress - DANNI ROGERS as Grandma

• Outstanding Supporting Actress - EMMA MCCLELLAN as Alice Beineke

• Outstanding Lead Actress - LAUREN BROWN as Morticia

• Outstanding Direction by a Teacher - ANN LANE NEAL

• Outstanding Small Ensemble - THE ANCESTORS

• Outstanding Chorus - The Addams Family Cast

• Outstanding Dance Execution

• Outstanding Front of House

• Outstanding Hair and Make-Up

• Outstanding Costumes

• Outstanding Lighting

• Outstanding Set

• Outstanding Technical Achievement

• Outstanding Overall Production - The Addams Family

about St. Agnes HERE!

CONGRATULATIONS!

S A INTAGN E S ACADE M Y for girls PK2 12TH ES T 851

St. Agnes

Cast and Crew of “The Addams Family” Learn more

60 Perkins Extended | Memphis, TN | (901) 537-1405 | www.stmarysschool.org Congratulations to the cast and crew of Legally Blonde

Congratulations to the Wynne High School cast and crew of

Outstanding Student Creative Achievement nominee Elisha Leake & Outstanding Playbill

#JacketsThrive “Once a Jacket, Always a Jacket”

CABOT THEATRE

by ALICE HEART

CREATE. COLLABORATE. SERVE. Congratulations to the company on your 7 nominations! She Loves Me She Loves Me WITH A RECORD 9 NOMINATIONS FOR CBHS, WE APPLAUD THE ENTIRE CAST AND CREW OF WITH LOVE, FROM ALL OF US AT

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Seussical on their HSMTA nomination! Outstanding Small Ensemble Bird Girl Trio–Victoria Brooks, Ava Brown, and Taryn Mullinix HardingLions.org

There you are, a shooting star!

Congrats, Alexander!

Love, the Villem and Cove Family

We are so proud of you! Congratulations on your nomination for lead actor! What an honor to you and all the other nominees. Good luck and best wishes!!

—Momma, Bobby, Vera, Donnie & family

We are so proud of you! Soak up this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Love you, Mom, Dad, Brooks and Baker

Congratulations on your nomination for lead actor! We can’t wait to see what your future holds! We are very proud of you! Break a leg.

—Dara, Will, Brynli, Owen, Gabbie, Hazel, Garrett, & Tim

Danni

Congratulations

ON YOUR NOMINATION FOR Outstanding Supporting Actress! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom & Dad Break a leg, Hunt. We are so proud of you! - Your entire family Drew, We are so proud of you!!! Love, Mom, Dad, and Addison

We are incredibly proud of you, Katie! We love you!

Dad, Mom, Maddie & Tripp

Levi, we are so proud of you! We never get tired of watching you perform, whether it be at school, church, or in the living room at home. Use the talent God has given you to increase His kingdom.

Love — Momma, Daddy, & Alyssa!

Jeremiah 29:11

Shoot for the moon McKinley! We are so proud of you!

-Mom, Dad, and Jackson

Congratulations, Meredith Rowland! (Evangelical Christian School, Mrs. Banks) Love, Mom, Dad, and Mary

Photo: Tracey Simpson

May you continue to use your Gifts and Talents to bring Joy to others! We Love You! Mom Dad Cat & Emma Sarah

Sarah is

2024

Graduate

of Tipton Christian Academy Covington TN

To: Our Talented, Smart & Beautiful Love Bug, Sky’s the Limit, Keep Reaching for the Stars! From: An Extremely Proud Mom, Dad & Warren! Love U Ema Boo! We are so proud of you Seth! Congratulations! Love Mom, Dad, and Family

To my Babygirl, You were born to be a star. To say that I am proud of you is an understatement.Love

You, my Lucybell -Love Mama, Daddy and Jackson We are so proud of you!

-Mom, Dad, Thomas, Michael, Annie, Nan, Pops

Remember, anything can happen if you let it! Break a leg and soar to new heights! We love you Annsley Coleman!

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.

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STAFF

Vice President of Education, Community Engagement, and Halloran Centre Programming.............................................................Jennifer McGrath

Director of Education & Engagement........................................................Taylor St. John

Education and Engagement Manager................................................Lena Wallace Black

Presentations and Engagement Manager....................................................Verity Hwang

Resident Teaching Artist.....................................................................A. Santyria Johnson

Education and Engagement Coordinator..................................................Rhyan Alleman

2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO

SPECIAL THANKS TO

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

OPENING & CLOSING PERFORMERS

STUDENT MUSICIANS

PICKLER WEALTH ADVISORS

DAVID AND BETH PICKLER

Congrats to all the nominees!

Lisa and John Bobango

OUTSTANDING SMALL ENSEMBLE

OUTSTANDING LARGE ENSEMBLE

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING CHORUS

OUTSTANDING STUDENT ORCHESTRA

OUTSTANDING DANCE EXECUTION

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY

OUTSTANDING PLAYBILL

OUTSTANDING POSTER

OUTSTANDING FRONT OF HOUSE

OUTSTANDING ARTISTIC ELEMENT

OUTSTANDING HAIR AND MAKEUP

OUTSTANDING COSTUMES

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING

OUTSTANDING SET

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING STUDENT CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

OUTSTANDING STUDENT TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING STUDENT STAGE MANAGEMENT

THE BRAVO AWARD

NOMINEES

THE INSPIRING TEACHER AWARD

OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION

OUTSTANDING FEATURED DANCER

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION BY A TEACHER

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING OVERALL PRODUCTION

sponsored by Pickler Wealth Advisors - David and Beth Pickler

JUDGES BIOS

JUDGES BIOS

J A M E S AND THE GIANT PEACH

Academy

CABOT THEATRE

Danni

ENGAGING STUDENTS, TEACHERS, FAMILIES, AND THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS