Saturday, May 25, 2024 | 2 a.m.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts announced the winners of its 2024 Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards earlier this month.
The winners were:
Outstanding Lead Actor: Luke Martin, Bishop Gorman High School
Outstanding Lead Actress: Marie Munoz, Bishop Gorman High School
Spotlight Award: Brianna Gracia, Coronado High School; Anthony Williams, Faith Lutheran Conservatory of the Fine Arts
Spirit of Broadway Award (chosen by peers): Cameron Gabe, Clark High School; Skye Hughes, Bonanza High School
Spirit of Broadway Award (chosen by creative team): Ella Jones, Lake Mead Christian Academy; Ike Pratt, Coronado High School
Outstanding Overall Musical: Doral Academy Red Rock High School
Outstanding Direction: Bishop Gorman High School
Outstanding Lighting Design & Execution: Centennial High School
Outstanding Supporting Performer: AJ Marshall, Damonte Ranch High School (Reno); Melat Woldegiorgish, Spring Valley High School
Outstanding Student Orchestra: Foothill High School
Outstanding Set Design and Construction: Las Vegas Academy
Outstanding Costume Design and Creation: Shadow Ridge High School
Outstanding Choreography Execution: Faith Lutheran Conservatory of the Fine Arts
Outstanding Ensemble: Green Valley High School
Outstanding Student Reporter: Summer Gilliam, Coronado High School
Outstanding Student Audio Technician: Kennedy Ruybal, Doral Academy Red Rock High School
Outstanding Student Lighting Technician: Hayley Rizor, Spring Valley High School
Outstanding Student Stage Manager: Lucielle Lee Robles, Liberty High School
The Smith Center enlisted a team of impartial theater professionals to serve as judges. Panels of three judges attended the productions of nominated high schools to adjudicate the shows in the eligible award categories.
On May 12, six judges completed the process by scoring 10 finalists’ live solo routines to award the Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress awards to Martin and Munoz.
Martin performed “Bring Him Home” and Munoz performed “On My Own,” both from "Les Misérables."
Both will receive a complimentary 10-day trip to New York City to represent Nevada in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, in June.
Their trip will include private coaching, master classes and rehearsals with renowned professionals, opportunities for merit scholarships and professional advancement, and performances onstage at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. The event will culminate with a panel of industry experts selecting two students for the Jimmy Award for Best Performance.
North Las Vegas honors teachers
The North Las Vegas City Council recognized 22 teachers this month with its annual Mayor Initiative Award.
The award, now in its second year, recognizes educators for innovative teaching strategies. Principals from district, charter and private schools in North Las Vegas nominated teachers from their staffs.
The winners are: Natalie Rosenfield (Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory High School), Lisa Castaneda (Dickens Elementary), Diane Balzer (Herron Elementary), Angela Verboort (Tom Williams Elementary), Karin Harrington (Cheyenne High), Bobby McClure (Gilbert Academy of Creative Arts Elementary), Holly Memmott (Scott Elementary), Samatha Sweeney (Bridger Middle), Malena Baizan (Mackey Elementary), Ranada Johnson (Sedway Middle), Matthew Hy (Cozine Elementary), Ashtyn Hill (Simmons Elementary), Kayli Aubry (Wolfe Elementary), Nicole Zobrist (Goynes Elementary), Teanna Streng (Triggs Elementary), Nicole Gaxiola (Somerset Academy-Aliante), Kimberly Griffin (Cram Middle), Danielle Warren-Glaze (Watson Elementary), Ruben Serna (Mojave High), Vincent Ossana (Northeast Career and Technical Academy), Kristie Cole (Elizondo Elementary) and Michelle Stanley (Somerset Academy-North Las Vegas).
