Fourth Annual Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards Winners Are Announced!

On Sunday, May 29, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts hosted the fourth annual Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards, recognizing the extraordinary talent and sheer dedication found in Nevada's high school theater students. The event welcomed 19 nominees to compete at the regional finals inside Reynolds Hall, concluding the 2015 - 2016 school year with the announcement of this year's winners.

Following an electrifying display of skill, passion and technique, two students' performances were named "Best Performance by an Actor" and "Best Performance by an Actress," and were presented with the Dr. Keith Boman Prize by President and CEO of The Smith Center Myron Martin. He congratulated Deimoni Brewington from Las Vegas Academy for his unique approach and capability to capture the audience's attention with his version of "Mamma Says," from the musical FOOTLOOSE. Mariah Martin from Calvary Chapel Christian School also delighted the audience with her dynamic energy as Miss Hannagan from ANNIE as she sang "Little Girls."

In addition to the top prize, two students received the Spotlight Award: Connor Freeman from Green Valley High School and Jessica Vanek from Las Vegas Academy. These students will be alternates if Brewington or Martin is unable to continue in the competition.

In honor of their remarkable achievements, Brewington and Martin will receive a complimentary 10-day trip to New York City to represent Nevada in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in June. They will be housed at New York University where they will enjoy private coaching, master classes and rehearsals with renowned professionals, followed by a panel of industry experts selecting two exceptional students for The Jimmy™ Award for "Best Performance." They will also receive opportunities for merit scholarships and professional advancement, as well as the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on the Minskoff stage on Broadway.

The Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards was emceed by musical director and coach Keith Thompson (JERSEY BOYS) and Joan Sobel (PHANTOM OF THE OPERA). Judges for this year's awards included Graham Fenton (JERSEY BOYS), Josh Strickland (VEGAS! THE SHOW), Rachel Tyler (SHOWSTOPPERS), Alyssa Brizzi (IDAHO! THE COMEDY MUSICAL), Christine Hudman (IDAHO! THE COMEDY MUSICAL),Travis Cloer (JERSEY BOYS), Torrey Russell (Broadway in the Hood), Andy Walmsley (IDAHO! THE COMEDY MUSICAL) and Mark Shunock (ROCK OF AGES). Artistic coaches included Clint Holmes, Kelly Clinton-Holmes and Bruce Ewing (PHANTOM OF THE OPERA), choreographed by Danny Austin (JERSEY BOYS) and Noah Rivera (JERSEY BOYS).

Photo Credit: Geri Kodey