Maltz Jupiter Theatre's Conservatory Announces Annual Award Winners

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts has announced the recipients of its annual Conservatory Awards.

Named for donors who have made the physical construction of the Conservatory possible, the eight awards are merit-based acknowledgements of hard work, positive attitudes and willingness to go the extra mile.

"We have many hardworking students at our Conservatory, but these students, in particular, have shown dedication and determination throughout the year," said Julie Rowe, the Theatre's director of education. "We are so grateful to the donors and parents that help make the Conservatory such a wonderful place for our students to continue to thrive and cultivate their talents."

The winners will be honored at a public fundraiser luncheon on Saturday, April 5, at Frenchman's Reserve Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens. The event will include a student showcase of Conservatory productions, including the upcoming musical The Pajama Game, which will be performed May 16 and 17 at the Theatre and features many of the award recipients.

Listed below are the Conservatory's 2014 recipients:

Conservatory musical theatre student Kiel Peterson, 16, earned the Diane and James Perrella Unity Award, presented to the student who continually strives to promote unity in all aspects of the classroom and performance, demonstrates the notable moral qualities of selflessness and honor, pulls people together and is respected by their peers. Kiel has been a Conservatory student since 2010 and has performed in four Conservatory shows and the Theatre's production of Through the Looking Glass and served as director of the 2013 Youth Artists' Chair production Hamlet. He is a junior at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

Conservatory hip hop, jazz, voice, musical theatre, modern, ballet and tap student Summer Hope, 16, earned the Mary Ellen and Dermot Healey Leadership Award, given to the student who has inspired and motivated their fellow classmates, makes decisions in the best interest of their peers and holds production values high. Summer has been a Conservatory student since 2009, has performed in six Conservatory shows and performs with the Theatre's Youth Touring Company. She is a sophomore at Jupiter High School.

Conservatory ballet and musical theatre student David Williams, 15, earned the Jodi Ann Saltzman Memorial Award for the "Most Spirited," given to a student who is always willing to give of themselves to the moment and continues to pursue their love of the performing arts with passion and enthusiasm. David has been a Conservatory student since 2012 and has performed in two Conservatory productions. He is a freshman at Jupiter High School.

Conservatory ballet and musical theater student Ivana Villavicencio, 11, earned the Dr. Bernard and Phyllis Eisenstein Cultural Award, presented to the student who is aware of the impact their rich cultural heritage has on the arts, shares their heritage freely and celebrates cultural differences. Ivana has been a Conservatory student since 2012 and has performed in four Conservatory productions. She is in 6th grade at Bak Middle School of the Arts.

Conservatory tap, ballet and musical theatre student Heather Matheson, 17, earned the O'Hagan Family Award for Outstanding Improvement, presented to the student who has shown marked progress in any one of the three disciplines - acting, dance or voice. Heather has been a Conservatory student since 2009, has performed in six Conservatory productions and performs with the Theatre's Youth Touring Company. She is a senior homeschooled student who is dual enrolled at Palm Beach State College.

Conservatory tap, voice, ballet, jazz and musical theatre student Kara Grozan, 16, earned the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Guild Award for Outstanding Improvement, presented to the student who has shown commitment, determination and marked progress in any one of the three disciplines - acting, dance or voice. Kara has been a Conservatory student since 2011 and has performed in two Conservatory productions. She is a sophomore at Jupiter High School.

Conservatory voice, tap, ballet, acting and musical theater student Vincent Bolchoz, 15, earned the Peggy and Rick Katz Award for Outstanding Achievement, presented to the student who has shown marked progress in all three disciplines, shows excellence in attendance and preparation, and maintains a positive attitude. Vincent has been a Conservatory student since 2013, has performed in three Conservatory productions and performs with the Theatre's Youth Touring Company. He is a sophomore at The Benjamin School.

Conservatory voice, tap and musical theater student Olivia Perrin, 17, earned the Paul and Sandra Goldner Award for Outstanding Commitment, presented to the student who has shown outstanding collaboration and dedication to the theatre and displays care, dedication, and a pay-it-forward attitude. Olivia has been a Conservatory student since 2007, has performed in 12 Conservatory productions and performs with the Theatre's Youth Touring Company. She is a senior at Jupiter High School.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory's hands-on workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand from nationally known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors.

The 2014 Conservatory Awards Luncheon and student showcase will benefit the Conservatory and take place Saturday, April 5, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Frenchman's Reserve Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens. The public is welcome; tickets are $50 per person. To order tickets, please call (561) 972-6124.

The Conservatory also offers camp programs throughout the summer, in which young performers (ages 4 - 18) will act, sing, dance, learn improvisation, tell stories, make props and more. Each summer camp concludes with a unique themed showcase performance, including the two largest camp shows that will be performed on the Theatre's stage: the Senior Conservatory's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and the Junior Conservatory's Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. Cost begins at $120; pre-care and after-care available. For more information on all of the Conservatory's programs, call 561-575-2672 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org/education.

Showtime for the Conservatory's upcoming production of The Pajama Game at the Theatre is 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for children. For tickets, call the Theatre's box office at (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.

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