Discovery Awards

David Lackey

The Discovery Awards

David Lackey Northeast Oklahoma is absolutely overflowing with artistic talent. And that absolutely includes the many high school musical theatre programs throughout the region. When you have this much talent, you’re pretty much obligated to celebrate it.

Luckily for us, the team at Celebrity Attractions helps us to do just that each year with The Discovery Awards. In order to bring together the best, professional arts adjudicators attend participating high school musicals and nominate the best performers from each production. This year, the first year of continuing the program after the pandemic put it on hold for two years, an incredible 19 schools are participating.

In the spring, the chosen nominees spend a week in an incredible masterclass workshop led by award-winning creatives. They then cap off their week with a showcase competition on none other than the Chapman stage right here in the TPAC. This year’s ceremony is set to take place on Thursday, May 26, at 7 p.m. With this number of schools participating, it is sure to be a night jam packed with talent.

The overall best female and male performers chosen that night will win an all-expense paid trip to represent our region in New York City. Once there, they will participate in another weeklong masterclass workshop taught by industry leaders. Ultimately, they will compete on a Broadway stage, in front of Broadway producers and directors at the Jimmy Awards, otherwise known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, competing against students from all over the country.

According to Jeremy Stevens, TPAC’s Director of Community Engagement: “The Discovery Awards celebrate the educational value, artistry and community of high school musical theatre in northeastern Oklahoma in true Tony Award fashion. And not only does it celebrate outstanding musical

theatre performers, but it also raises awareness of fine arts programs ... that deserve recognition and support. This exposure helps connect teachers and students with Broadway stars, theatre professionals, and others who love the stage just as much as they do.”

Senior Marketing and Programming Director for Celebrity Attractions, Randy Cole, adds: “It is absolutely thrilling to be able to help students connect to their dreams of being part of the world of performing arts. The Discovery Awards has in its mission to highlight the importance of musical theatre in schools — both public and private. We strive to encourage schools in eastern Oklahoma to provide access to creating musical theatre and celebrate those that do by shining the spotlight on the teachers and their students each season.

“The winners are flown to New York City for an all-expense paid week at Julliard, where they will work with Broadway’s top creative talent, preparing for the Jimmy Awards on Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre – home to Disney’s “The Lion King.” This opportunity opens the door for students to be seen by casting agents and directors and often results in landing roles on tour and on Broadway!”

David Lackey

Sounds exciting, right? According to 2019 winner Axyl Langford, it was a dream come true. “My experience with the discovery awards was honestly amazing in every aspect.” Television tropes might have you believing that a competition like this would bring out divas and huge egos, fighting for the spotlight, but Axyl set the record straight: “The entire process was so much fun and everyone I met and got to work with was so nice. It was a blast getting to perform with so many different kids from our area and rehearsing with everyone never felt like work. It honestly just felt like singing and hanging out with my friends, and I thought that was really cool.”

What does it feel like to grace a Broadway stage as a high schooler? Axyl has an answer for us: “It was a really surreal moment hearing my name called. ... I’m not going to lie, the rehearsal process for the performance was pretty intense, but it was an absolute blast the entire time, mostly because everyone we got the chance to work with was so amazing and extremely talented. I really learned a lot and ended up making a ton of friends from all over the U.S. ... When it came to the performance, I’d say it’s still the most amazing moment in my life so far. I still can’t believe I got to perform in the Minskoff Theatre. And the fact that it was hosted by Ben Platt was so cool. I’m so thankful I got the opportunity to participate in the Jimmy Awards; it was a blast!”

Who will be the next representatives of northeastern Oklahoma? Join us on Thursday, May 26, to find out. And even better? See the top performers from schools all over the region entertain you with a night of incredible musical theatre performances. It promises to be a night of awe-inspiring talent.

The Discovery Awards

Presented by Celebrity Attractions and TPAC May 26 at 7 p.m. CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL