2025 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards by Orpheum Theatre

MARQUEE

MAY 22, 2025 • ORPHEUM THEATRE

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO

Dear High School Musical Theatre Fans,

Welcome to the 2025 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards – our 16th year of this impactful program! This is an exciting night at the Orpheum and one we look forward to all year.

The Orpheum HSMTAs start with the teachers, students and school administrators who produce the 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 partners at the Memphis Youth Symphony Program and Theatre Memphis Tech Academy, to the HSMTAs.

The Orpheum Theatre Group’s Education and Community Engagement Department put a lot of effort into these Awards. From administrators, judges, tech staff, creative team and others involved, these individuals make the annual Awards current and professional. I thank them all.

Great appreciation goes out to 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 gratitude to our donors 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.

The Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards is the only regional program in the country that crosses four state lines (we added Missouri this year!). Our finalists make us proud 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!

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. As you will see this evening, the talent level of these young people is higher than it has ever been. I am confident the theatre of tomorrow is in very capable hands!

Thank you for being here tonight. Enjoy the 2025 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards.

Brett Batterson President & CEO

Orpheum Theatre Group

PRODUCTION STAFF

Managing Director................................................................................Lena Wallace Black

Director..........................................................................................................Taylor St. John

Music Direction, Orchestra Leader,

Musical Arrangements, and Orchestrations...........................................Jason Eschhofen

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

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

Associate Choreographer............................................................Melissa VanPelt 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 (HSMTA Alum)

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

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

Audio & Video Production...........................................................................Production One

Ceremony Filming...........................................................Andy Dean Production Services

Production Videos...............................................................................Action Factory NYC

Backstage Coordinators.......................................................Rhyan Alleman, Erin McKee, Verity Yao-Jen 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, Cecilia Wingate

Student Technical, Creative, & Stage

Management Achievement Panel.................................Becky Caspersen, Jeremy Fisher, Sherronda Johnson

Hosts........................................................Hailey Brown and Aden Pettet (HSMTA Alums)

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, Samantha Long, Katelyn Sosebee, and the countless others who make this event possible.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Arlington High School - The Addams Family

Bartlett High School - Curtains

Briarcrest Christian School - Oklahoma!

Cabot High School - Mary Poppins

Chester County High School - The Addams Family

Christian Brothers High School - Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

Collierville High School - Legally Blonde

Cordova High School - The Fantasticks

Corinth High School - Chicago: Teen Edition

Crosstown High - Into the Woods

Desoto Central High School - Tarzan

Desoto Christian Academy - The Wizard of Oz

Evangelical Christian School - Hadestown: Teen Edition

Fayette Academy - The Pajama Game

First Assembly Christian School - JosephandtheAmazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Germantown High School - You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Harding Academy Memphis - Big Fish

Harding Academy Searcy - The Addams Family

Hernando High School - Once Upon A One More Time (High School Version)

Houston High School - Mean Girls High School Version

Hutchison - The Lightning Thief

Jackson Christian School - Once Upon A Mattress

Jackson Prep - Anastasia

Kennett High School - Cinderella

Lakeland Preparatory School - Disney’s Descendants: The Musical

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Lausanne Collegiate School - Footloose

Lewisburg High School - You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Madison-Ridgeland Academy - Hello, Dolly!

Marion High School - Sweeney Todd School Edition

Memphis University School - Chicago: Teen Edition

Middle College High School - Non-Adjudicated Participant

Milan High School - Mamma Mia!

Millington Central Middle High School - TheGuyWhoDidn’tLikeMusicals

Munford High School - The Addams Family

New Albany High School - Crazy For You

Northpoint Christian School - Mary Poppins

Ridgeway High School - Non-Adjudicated Participant

South Gibson County High School - MaryPoppins

Southaven High School - The Addams Family

St. Agnes Academy - Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical

St. Benedict at Auburndale - Godspell

St. Mary’s Episcopal School - The Drowsy Chaperone

The Academies at Jonesboro High School - Hadestown: Teen Edition

The Collegiate School of Memphis - Non-Adjudicated Participant

Tipton Christian Academy - Non-Adjudicated Participant

Tipton-Rosemark Academy - Kiss Me, Kate

Valley View High School - Shrek the Musical

White Station High School - Mamma Mia!

Wynne High School - Disney’s Descendants: The Musical

OPENING & CLOSING PERFORMERS

A.J. Cash

Ainsley Shifflett

Alexis Pittman

Anna Greenberg

Anna Jewell Clayton

Annaliese Khamapirad

Ava Kaltreider

Ava Maples

Avery Stambaugh

Azaria Smith

Bee Certeza

Bella Quinn

Braylen Sain

Briggs White

Bryant Duffey

Cami Crawford

Celeste Hair

Chris-Tina Vinnett

Cora Coleman

Daisy Holler

Dalton Little

Destiny Smith

Dillon Coole

Edith Bush

Elaina Wright

Elizabeth Moreno

Ella Williamson

Elliott Cary

Eloise McDonald

Emilie Coeffer

Evelyn Waterloo

Hunter Mynatt

Ja’Niya Crutchfield

Ja’Shun Light

Jackson McGinnis

Jake Snow

Jason Dockstader

Jayden Haynes

Jaylen Hunter

Jenna Claire McClellan

Jill Allert

John Labas

Jon Stanley

Jonna Stokes

Joshua Haynes

Kaleb Daniel

Kaydence Brown

Kayla Gales

Keily Gibson

Kimora Allen

Kirsten Strickland

Lala Tolentino

Landon Moultrie

Lee Clausel

Lilah McGregor

Lucy Gibson

Luke Malone

Lydia Smith

Lynette Davis

Madi Neely

Makenna Whitten

Maliyah Merryman

Marshall Rowland

Martha Martinez

Mason Tate

Maverick Merryman

Morgan Malone

Natalie Gunter

Nava VanderWalde

Olivia Court

Olivia McDaniel

Paige Gates

Palmer Howie

Reagan Hays

Ron’ Darius Taylor

Sami Bray

Savannah Herrington

Sophia Sansone

Taylor Keen

Trinity Carter

William Goudy

PROGRAM PARTNERSHIPS

Memphis Youth Symphony Program

Beginning in 2024 we partnered with the Memphis Youth Symphony Program to create the opportunity for student musicians to rehearse and perform alongside professional artists in our pit and we are delighted to continue that partnership again this year. 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.

Trumpet, Flügelhorn ...................................................Aiden Jakab, Bartlett High School

French Horn............................................................Caleb Jennings, Munford High School

Flute, Piccolo, Alto Flute............................Catherine Cheng, White Station High School

Violin.....................................................................Michael Liu, Memphis University School

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

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

Bb Clarinet, Eb Clarinet........................................Pearce Roberts, Arlington High School

Oboe, English Horn, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone.....................Sam Scull, Evangelical Christian School

Trumpet, Flügelhorn........................................................Tyler Scott, Bartlett High School Trombone, Bass Trombone...................................Zachary Smart, Arlington High School

Executive Director, Memphis Youth Symphony Program..............................Jenny Davis Director of Operations, Memphis Youth Symphony Program......................Courtney Fly

Theatre Memphis Tech Academy

The Orpheum Theatre Group is proud to welcome a new partnership for the 2025 season, creating the opportunity for student stage managers from Theatre Memphis Tech Academy to serve as Assistant Stage Managers for our rehearsals and performances alongside our professional backstage team. Theatre Memphis Tech Academy is a free mentoring/apprenticeship program for students who are 13-19 years of age to learn about and participate in all realms of technical theatre. We are grateful for their engagement in this partnership as we continue to expand opportunities for young people at the Orpheum HSMTAs, both onstage and behind the scenes in all capacities. For more information on Tech Academy please visit theatrememphis.org.

Abigail Gardner.................................................................................Arlington High School

Hannah Moore............................................................................................Bellevue Tutorial

Lily May Clippinger.......................................................................................Homeschooled

Maggy Louderback.....................................................................................Ohio University

Via Caspersen...................................................................................University of Memphis

Theatre Memphis Tech Academy Director.............................................Becky Caspersen

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

Welcome to the 2025 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards!

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 we continue to grow to serve more schools each year, we are proud to be the only National HSMTA program serving 4 states! We continue to serve all participating schools at no cost, ensuring that whether a school has produced a musical or not, they have access to this program in a way that does not add any economic burden.

In this groundbreaking year, we are excited to expand our partnership that began last year with the Memphis Youth Symphony Program to include young musicians in the pit orchestra tonight alongside our professional players. Additionally, we have begun another new partnership with Theatre Memphis Tech Academy putting young stage managers backstage working alongside our professional team to not only enrich their experience and skill sets, but to also help our program and its many moving parts and logistics run smoothly. Producing an evening like tonight truly takes an incredible team working in collaboration with one another and we are honored to keep expanding opportunities on and offstage for young people and local partners to be at the helm of this work!

As we explore the world of Oz tonight, we are reminded of what can happen when everyone is given a chance to fly and how the arts can truly change the lives of young people for the better and for good. At a time when so many people are continuing to face great challenges, I continue to be enthralled, amazed, inspired, and uplifted by the students, educators, and families who continue to defy gravity against all odds. They keep the arts alive in their schools, communities, and hearts. This work truly has the power to change the world and I thank every one of you for continuing to show up and support. You allow these talented teens to be seen, heard, valued, and to come together in community to help all of us imagine what is possible over the rainbow as we keep easing on down the road.

With much gratitude and in community,

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

Congratulations to all tonight’s nominees!

Lighting up the stage tonight!

Proud sponsor of the HSMTAs since 2010

A big round of applause to everyone tonight!

A proud sponsor of this year’s Awards!

Congrats to all the nominees!

Proud supporter of tonight’s event!

LISA AND JOHN BOBANGO

A standing ovation to everyone tonight!

CHERYL AND BILL STEGBAUER

PICKLER WEALTH ADVISORS & BETH AND DAVID PICKLER

Thank you for sponsoring the VIP Reception

Thank you for sponsoring the HSMTA Professional Musicians

NOMINEES

THE JALEN AWARD

The Spirit of the HSMTAs

sponsored by Pickler Wealth Advisors & Beth and David Pickler

To be announced

OUTSTANDING SMALL ENSEMBLE

OUTSTANDING LARGE ENSEMBLE

OUTSTANDING CHORUS

OUTSTANDING STUDENT ORCHESTRA

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING DANCE EXECUTION

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING PLAYBILL

OUTSTANDING POSTER

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING FRONT OF HOUSE

sponsored by Friends of the Orpheum (FOTO)

St. Benedict at Auburndale - Godspell

First Assembly Christian School - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Corinth High School - Chicago: Teen Edition

Fayette Academy - The Pajama Game

Houston High School - Mean Girls High School Version

Milan High School - Mamma Mia!

St. Agnes Academy - Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical

OUTSTANDING ARTISTIC ELEMENT

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

The Giant’s Voice - Crosstown High - Into the Woods

The Marionette Fabric- Corinth High School - Chicago: Teen Edition

The Memes - Houston High School - Mean Girls High School Version

The Toilet - Hutchison - The Lightning Thief

The Pharisee Monsta - St. Benedict at Auburndale - Godspell

The Sewing Machine - Fayette Academy - The Pajama Game

The Barbershop Chair – Marion High School – Sweeney Todd School Edition

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING HAIR AND MAKEUP

sponsored by Blo Blow Dry Bar Germantown

Collierville High School - Legally Blonde

Jackson Prep - Anastasia

Desoto Central High School - Tarzan

Evangelical Christian School - Hadestown: Teen Edition

The Academies at Jonesboro High School – Hadestown: Teen Edition

DeSoto Christian Academy - The Wizard of Oz

Bartlett High School - Curtains

OUTSTANDING COSTUMES

sponsored by Kathryn and Jim Gilliland, Jr.

Desoto Central High School - Tarzan

Bartlett High School - Curtains

The Academies at Jonesboro High School – Hadestown: Teen Edition

Jackson Prep - Anastasia

Lakeland Preparatory School - Disney’s Descendants: The Musical

Collierville High School - Legally Blonde

Evangelical Christian School - Hadestown: Teen Edition

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING

sponsored by Dr. Robin Hobbs and Patrick “Trey” Carter

Arlington High School - The Addams Family

Bartlett High School - Curtains

Evangelical Christian School - Hadestown: Teen Edition

St. Benedict at Auburndale - Godspell

Lakeland Preparatory School - Disney’s Descendants: The Musical

Jackson Prep – Anastasia

Desoto Central High School - Tarzan

OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN AND EXECUTION

sponsored by Scottie Somerville and DJ Thornton of ProductionOne

Cabot High School - Mary Poppins

Harding Academy Searcy - The Addams Family

The Academies at Jonesboro High School – Hadestown: Teen Edition

Evangelical Christian School - Hadestown: Teen Edition

Collierville High School - Legally Blonde

Hernando High School - Once Upon A One More Time (High School Version)

New Albany High School - Crazy For You

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING SET

sponsored by Veronica and Brett Batterson

Kennett High School - Cinderella

Evangelical Christian School - Hadestown: Teen Edition

Desoto Central High School - Tarzan

New Albany High School - Crazy For You

St. Benedict at Auburndale - Godspell

The Academies at Jonesboro High School – Hadestown: Teen Edition

Cabot High School - Mary Poppins

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING STUDENT CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

sponsored by Christina Torres and Alex Barton

OUTSTANDING STUDENT TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

OUTSTANDING STUDENT STAGE MANAGEMENT ACHIEVEMENT

sponsored by Jennifer McGrath

THE BRAVO AWARD

THE INSPIRING TEACHER AWARD

sponsored by The Theatre Conservatory at The Memphis Jewish Community Center

OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING FEATURED DANCER

sponsored by Debbie and Homer Branan

Kaylond Pittman First Assembly Christian School Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Kelly White Houston High School MeanGirlsHighSchoolVersion

Barbieri St. Benedict at Auburndale Godspell

Collierville High School Legally Blonde

Jan Williams White Station High School Mamma Mia!

Lauren

Aubrey Plummer

Alexas Joyner Fayette Academy The Pajama Game

Lilian Brock Bartlett High School Curtains

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR

sponsored by Gaskill Strategies in honor of Sam Gaskill

First Assembly Christian School JosephandtheAmazing TechnicolorDreamcoat

Collierville

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS

NOMINEES

OUTSTANDING

DIRECTION BY A TEACHER

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

Kell Christie - Houston High School - Mean Girls High School Version

Stacey Peeney - St. Benedict at Auburndale - Godspell

Krisie Holmes and Mallery Mitchell - The Academies at Jonesboro High SchoolHadestown: Teen Edition

Lynden Jones - Evangelical Christian School - Hadestown: Teen Edition

Kirie Walz - Bartlett High School - Curtains

Victoria Newton - Desoto Central High School - Tarzan

Mary Beth Muncie and Phillip Nanney - New Albany High School - Crazy For You

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 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards.

The following Senior STAR Council Students have completed all attendance and service requirements in order to be recognized as a Super STAR Senior!

Olivia Court

Parker Mednikow

Hallie-Kate Dierks

Taylor Murphy

Abby Gardner

Leah Thomas

RACHAEL ARNWINE is the Head of Dance in the Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Memphis. A Memphis native and graduate of The University of Memphis, she holds an MS in Exercise, Sport, & Movement Sciences, a BFA in Theater Performance with a concentration in Dance, and a BS in Exercise, Sport, & Movement Sciences. Rachael has performed with Tennessee Ballet Theater, Opera Memphis, Hot Foot Honeys, Racine + Southern Dance Exchange, and has performed in music videos for artists such as Julien Baker and Brennan Villines. She is a certified board member of the Southern Association of Dance Masters as well as the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science where she is a published author in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. Her specific interests lie within dance science, bridging dance with kinesiology and research in injury mechanisms. In addition, she is a dance instructor at local dance studios in the Memphis community and a freelance choreographer. Her musical theatre choreographies include Ride the Cyclone, Working: A Musical, Starting Here, Starting Now, and SpongeBob the Musical. Rachael’s teaching specialties include tap, jazz, musical theatre dance, contemporary, and dance science curriculum.

JASON ESCHHOFEN (he/him/his) could not be more excited to be back working on the High School Musical Theatre Awards! He has been a part of the HSMTA music team since 2017. Jason is currently based in Saint Louis where he works as a freelance music director, pianist, copyist, orchestrator/arranger, and keyboard programmer. Coming up next, Jason will spend the summer at the Muny in Saint Louis where he will serve as a rehearsal pianist (Bring It On, Evita, and La Cage Aux Folles) and pit keyboardist (Bring It On and Evita). Some favorite shows he has music directed include Ride the Cyclone (Saint Louis University), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Theatre Memphis), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Playhouse on the Square), Matilda (Harrell Theatre), Murder for Two (Playhouse on the Square), The Fantasticks (The Link Theatre), Next to Normal (Germantown Community Theatre), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Theatre Memphis). He holds a Bachelors degree in Voice Performance and Studio Recording Technology from Bowling Green State University and a Masters degree in Voice Performance from the University of Memphis. Thank you to Jennifer and Lena as well as all of the students who make this one of my favorite times of year!

A. SANTYRIA JOHNSON is a Memphis-based Teaching Artist, dancer, and choreographer specializing in West African music and dance, Hip Hop, Contemporary Jazz, and Musical Theatre. With 28 years of performance experience and a deep passion for youth development and healing through the arts, Santyria brings both cultural richness and heartfelt intention to every class and stage she graces. A lifelong artist, Santyria began performing at the age of 7 and teaching by 11 through the Watoto De Afrika Performing Arts Academy. Since 2019, she has taught professionally at the Orpheum Theatre through its various education and community engagement programs, where she continues to inspire the next generation of movers and cultural keepers. Her performance journey includes dancing with the Sankofa Drum and Dance Company (Nashville, TN), IKENGA Drum Ensemble, and Kindred Spirits (both based in Memphis, TN). She has studied in Guinea, West Africa with master drummer and dancer Mohamed Diaby learning the traditional music and dance styles of the Sousou, Malinke, and Fula people. San-

tyria’s work is guided by the belief that art is a vessel for connection, transformation, and liberation – especially for young people. Her dynamic teaching style honors cultural tradition while cultivating joy, self-expression, and belonging.

TAYLOR ST. JOHN (he/him) is a leader, theatre maker, and educator currently serving as the Director of Education and Engagement at the Orpheum Theatre Group in Memphis, TN. At the Orpheum he directs the Neighborhood Play Program (a community-playmaking program) and the Teaching Artist Training Program (where he collaborates and coaches MidSouth 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, Florida Studio Theatre, the Bloomington Playwright’s Project, and most recently with the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. As a theatre director, he works at the intersection of theatre, community, and education. Recent directing credits include: We All We Got: A Binghampton Play, My Hood/ My Home/My Sacred Haven, A Ferry Tale, Stories of Home, Figuring Life Out, 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.

KYLE VAN FRANK - Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Kyle Van Frank is a nonprofit leader and creative storyteller based in St. Louis, MO, where he works to support the inclusion of children with disabilities in Catholic schools. Kyle’s theatre work has taken him across the country, working with award-winning educational programs such as Florida Studio Theatre’s WRITE A PLAY, Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s Camp Shakespeare, and the Orpheum’s High School Musical Theatre Awards, a program he has been a part of since 2012. Kyle holds an MS in Nonprofit Leadership from University of Denver and a BA in Theatre with a Concentration in Musical Theatre from The University of Alabama.

LENA WALLACE BLACK is the Education and Community Engagement Manger at the Orpheum and is thrilled to be in her fourth year as Managing Director of the HSMTAs! Lena has a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Memphis and is an award-winning actress that has performed on most stages in the Memphis area. In 2022, Lena was awarded the “Behind the Scenes Award” at the Memphis Ostrander Awards for her work in educational theatre, largely due to her work getting this massive program ready for the stage each year. It is the joy of her life to be able to make this program happen for all of these deserving students!

JORDAN WELLS is a director, composer, and performing arts coach. As the owner/operator of Performance Studios, a virtual performing arts studio specializing in acting and vocal coaching, he helps performers hone their craft for both stage and screen. In addition to coaching, he collaborates with theater companies and educational institutions across the Mid-South as a director and music director.

JUDGES BIOS

LAWRENCE BLACKWELL is the Director of Youth Engagement Programs at Memphis Music Initiative and a professor of theatre in acting. As a performing artist, Lawrence has created, directed, and performed pieces that explore American, 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) received his BFA in Theatre from the University of Memphis, and since then 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 Group, Germantown Community Theatre, Theatre Memphis, and New Moon Theatre Company, where he serves on the Board of Directors. Directing credits include 12 Angry Jurors, The Squirrels, Pride & Prejudice, Wit, Shockheaded Peter (Ostrander Nominee for Direction), The Pillowman, To Kill a Mockingbird, Far Away, and Killer Joe. Favorite acting credits include ‘Art’, Twelfth Night, The Normal Heart, and The Physicists (Ostrander Award for Supporting Actor).

MARCUS COX is Executive Director of Welcome to Memphis, a subsidiary of Memphis Tourism, formerly the Memphis Conventions and Visitors Bureau. He is a native of Memphis, TN and a graduate of Watkins Overton High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. 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 has over 20 years experience in the food and beverage industry. He also served as Public Relations Manager for the National Global America Pageant Organization. Marcus served on the Board of Directors of the Metro Memphis Attractions Association as Vice President. He currently sits on the Advisory Board for The Kemmons Wilson School of Culinary Arts, Memphis Restaurant Association, several committees for Destinations International, and Tennesseans for the Arts. Marcus maintains memberships with Shelby County Arts Council, the Miss America Organization, and Americans for the Arts, where he is also an Emerging Leaders Council member. He is a graduate of Leadership Memphis class of 2024. A product of the Memphis Arts community, Marcus has performed in productions at the Hattiloo Theatre, Theatre Memphis, and with Playhouse on the Square and is a multiple award winner for his work. He was 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. Marcus is an entry level sommelier in the Court of Sommeliers. Marcus has been married to his wife Tasha for 21 years. They have one daughter, Kelsey, 17. Marcus and his family are members of 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 (’77) which led to ten years of touring with various circuses in the 70’s and 80’s. He spent the next 30 years in arts integration programming using the aesthetic education techniques of Wolf Trap and Lincoln Center Institute, retiring in 2018 as 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. Sandy has been part of the Orpheum’s HSMTA since the beginning and strongly believes in the power of the arts to transform the lives of children of ALL ages. As an adjudicator at your shows, he is literally “Man in Chair” looking for the teachable moments and loves watching the artistic choices being made by students, teachers, and schools each season.

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 directing Through the Looking Screen (Quark) and Hundred Days (GCT), and playing W in Lungs (Quark, Ostrander nom). Music directing credits include The Prom (Playhouse on the Square), Bright Star (GCT), Honky Tonk Angels (GCT), Hissifit (Rhodes, Ostrander), Shockheaded Peter (New Moon), and Lizzie (New Moon).

DAVE LANDIS (Associate Director with Playhouse on the Square) 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 34 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). 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, Ragtime, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, Catch Me If You Can, and Parade

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 Mid-South. 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 specializes in enrollment marketing for independent schools, but began her career as the Production Stage Manager at TM. In the twenty years since, she has been involved in over 100 productions, on and off stage. Elizabeth serves as the Director for the Memphis Ostrander awards (Memphis’ 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 TM, and leads workshops on stage management.

JUDGES BIOS

GERARDO RIVILLAS is a Colombian actor, Ostrander award nominee, and Southern Theater Conference All Start Cast award winner. He graduated from acting schools in Colombia and Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England, with more than 17 years of experience in acting and has participated in different projects such as plays, tv commercials, musicals, music videos, institutional videos, tv series. Gerardo is also a voice-over actor for television and movies and continues to look for opportunities to develop this talent. He graduated from the Orpheum Theatre Group Teaching Artist Training Program in 2022 and joined the Brooks Museum’s Interpretive Planning Committee in 2023. Currently, he is part of the ensemble of the bilingual theater company CAZATEATRO where he has had the opportunity to participate in multiple projects in Memphis, TN, as well as other states.

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. Favorite performance credits include Clue, Pride and Prejudice, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Ostrander nominee, Featured Performer) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream She’s also served as Assistant Director for Wit with GCT and Fools with Rhodes Theatre Guild. Her next project will be A Particle of Dread with New Moon Theatre Company. 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 everyone on a great year of high school theatre!”

MEREDITH SERNA is happy to be an HSMTA judge for the second year. Meredith is a former Ostrander judge, member of the Board of Directors at Germantown Community Theatre, and stage manages for a few of the wonderful theatre companies in Memphis. She feels that it is extremely important to work with the HSMTA’s to ensure that our students have the opportunities in theatre that they deserve. Break a leg to all of our nominees tonight and good luck at the Jimmy’s to our delegates!

REVEREND NIAMBI D. WEBSTER hails from Batesville, AR with degrees from Jacksonville Theological Seminary, The U of Iowa, Mankato State University, and Drake University. She was ordained an itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2011 and has served in various capacities, including pastor, associate pastor, choir member, Minister of Fine Arts, instructor of Bible studies, and guest preacher. She pledged in 1985, Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Alumnae Chapter and has been an active member since then, serving as a chaplain, chair of various committees, Educational Development, International Awareness, Political Awareness and in Youth Initiatives, including Detla Academy and Delta Gems. She has over 24 years of experience in the public school system teaching Theatre, dance, English and Black literature, along with 28 years of teaching instructional design & technology, multicultural, multiethnic and American studies at the college level. She is the proud mother of one son, one granddaughter, and two stepdaughters.

EVELYN YOUNG is an enthusiastically vibrant woman who enjoys life! She relocated to Memphis, Tennessee in 2011 with the Boys & Girls Clubs Greater Memphis from Illinois, by way of Omaha, Nebraska. She is the mother of one son and proudly cherishes five grandchildren. She has served as an HSMTA Adjudicator for 3 years and loves the exposure on this side of the stage. Ms. Young has been a Director with Memphis Parks for 9.5 years, and she eagerly envisions a journey of inclusive partnerships, collaborations of ideas and successful programs to keep our citizens busy. She is a member of Hope Church, serves as a greeter, volunteers with the ENCORE Senior Ministry and sings in the choir. Additionally, she loves performing with the Memphis Letter Carriers Band, singing as often as possible. She won the Broadway World News Award for Best Female Actress over 25 for her role as Miss Hannigan in Annie She is an advocate for the homeless and gives numerous hours of service to impact this change as needed.

Congratulations, EvangelicalSchool,Christian on your production of

Nominated for

Outstanding Overall Production

Outstanding Small Ensemble, the Fates

Outstanding Large Ensemble

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Cooper Gordon

Outstanding Lead Actor, Keller Todd

Outstanding Lead Actress, Meredith Rowland

Outstanding Direction by a Teacher, Lynden Jones

Outstanding Music Direction, Patti House/Emily Hale

Outstanding Chorus

Outstanding Dance Execution

Outstanding Playbill

Outstanding Poster

Outstanding Hair and Makeup

Outstanding Costumes

Outstanding Lighting

Outstanding Sound Design & Execution

Outstanding Set

Outstanding Technical Achievement

Outstanding Choreography

Actor Brayden Daugherty as Coach Carr · Outst

Mr Duvall · Outstanding Supporting Actor

CONGRATULATIONS

Supporting Actress Anna belle Gary as Karen g pp g A Gre M G h as Gretchen Wieners · Outstanding Lead Actress Evelyne Jones

Reg D h Overa

Pro tandi Da Poste

Ou standi St r Kel W standi

Fe Trum

May as Damian · Outstanding Supporting Actress Anna belle Gary as Karen Smit

Outstanding Supporting Actress Greer McGaughey as Gretchen Wieners · Outstandi

Lead Actress Evelyne Jones as Regina George · Outstanding Direction by a Teacher K

Ch t O t t d O ll P d t

TIPTON ROSEMARK ACADEMY

CORINTH HIGH SCHOOL

INSPIRING TEACHER AWARD - JOURNEY BENNETT CONGRATULATIONS

OUTSTANDING DANCE EXECUTION

OUTSTANDING

OUTSTANDING ARTISTIC ELEMENT

ST. AGNES ACADEMY for GIRLS cast of “Matilda” March 2025

Congratulations to the cast and crew of

“Matilda”

We are so Proud !

A St. Agnes girl is empowered, confident, and among the most academically prepared, and leadership-oriented students accepted to hundreds of colleges and universities around the globe. Find out more about this outstanding Catholic high school for girls and what a St. Agnes Academy education can do for you. Contact Maggie Glaser at admissions@saa-sds.org or 901-435-5819.

Alyssa, Keep following your dreams!

Love, Mom, Dad, Raegan, & Nana

Congratulations Annsley! We love you so much!! Dad, Mom and Easton

Chris-Tina, you represent Southaven High well!

Love, Mom, Dad, & Chrisette

Cooper,

We could not be more proud of you. The passion you have for theatre and all that you do is something to behold. We love you! You conduct the electric city! Mom and Dad

“Full Disclosure”

We are so proud of you!

Love, Dad, Mom, & Your Family

Congratulations Elaina for this accomplishment. We are so proud of you and the beautiful artist you have become.

Congrat ulations, Emma and the SBA Godspell cast!

We are so proud of you!!!

Ella, We’re so incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see you shine!

Love, Mom, Dad, Emme, & your fan club

Love, Mom, Rodney, William, Lily and Parker

Congratulations, Hayden! Keep shining, keep growing, and never stop reaching for your dreams! Cheering you on every step of the way, Mom, Dee, Mason, and Jackson

Congrats Ian-Michael. We are so proud of you!

- Dad, Mom, and Micaiah

Break A Leg Jake! We are proud of you!

Love Dad, Momam, and ShuShu

We’re so proud of you and all that you poured into Lord Farquaad!

Break a gloriously tiny leg!

Love you to the moon and back 79 times!

Mom, Adam, Kollin, Tatta & Dadda

“We are so proud of you!”

Love, your entourage

Congratulations on your nomination, Meredith! So proud of you!

Much love, Mom, Dad, and MV

Photo: Tracey Simpson

Shine bright, Trinity Hope Carter! Love, Momma and all your people!

Congratulations to Outstanding Supporting Actor Nominee, Tucker Gladden!

We are proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad & Macy

Congratulations, Wilson! We love you! -Mom, Dad, Anderson, and Cora

Congrats on your nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Greer McGaughey!

Keep reaching for the stars!

Kadarius, We are so very proud of the hard work and all that you have accomplished. You are Hermes and we can’t wait to hear you sing it again! We love you!

Sarah, Granna, Papa, and Jaiden

Congratulations to my most favorite dancer. I love you! –Mom

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, 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 Yao-Jen Hwang

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

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

Education and Engagement Seasonal Staff.....................................................Erin McKee