among 34 Northeast Wisconsin high schools that participated in the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program this year. Launched in 2016, the Center Stage Program celebrates the achievements of high school musical theater while fostering critical skills like creativity, confidence, and collaboration.

 

"This year of the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program has been another wonderful opportunity for high school students to build relationships and celebrate high school musical theater with their peers," said Chief Programming Officer Amy Gosz. "It was inspiring to witness the students supporting one another by attending and cheering each other on at their productions."

Several local students and educators earned nominations for awards.

 

The local nominees include:

 

Influential Theater Educator Nominees:

• Lizbeth Thomas, Director at Gibraltar High School

• Mary Hall, Director at Southern Door High School

• Bonita Weydt, Music Director at Southern Door High School

• Naomi Files, Pit Orchestra Director at Southern Door High School

 

Outstanding Achievement Award:

• Benedict Salmi Klotz, Gibraltar High School

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role:

• Jude Alrand, Southern Door High School as Mr. Snoring Man/Ezekiel Foster in Irving Berlin's White Christmas.

Outstanding Student Lighting Operator:

• Will Verhagen, Southern Door High School

 

The Center Stage program will culminate with a red-carpet Showcase at the Center on May 17th at 7:30 p.m., where two finalists will be named. These finalists will receive the honor of traveling to New York City to participate in The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® Friday, June 13 through Tuesday, June 24. The program includes workshops and classes led by industry experts and ends with the 16th annual Jimmy Awards on Monday, June 23 at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway.

 

To learn more about the Center Stage High School Music Theater Program, visit foxcitiespac.com.