Aspire PAC Receives 21 Nominations and 4 Awards

Aspire Performing Arts Company (PAC) is pleased to announce that it recently received a total of 21 nominations and four awards from National Youth Arts (NYA).

NYA, now in its 17th year, celebrates the best of youth arts throughout the country. Aspire PAC joined NYA as a member theater in 2016. This was the company's first year of eligibility for award consideration and it received nominations for three productions: The Wedding Singer; You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown; and its recent pilot production of Mary Poppins JR.

Awards were received in the following categories:

• Lead Actress in a Musical: Courtney Bulger as Julia Sullivan in The Wedding Singer
• Supporting Actress in a Musical: Melody Appel as Rosie in The Wedding Singer
• Supporting Actress in a Musical: Casey Gorab as Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
• Outstanding Ensemble: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

This year, more than 550 productions were considered for the awards, including shows from more 200 different members spanning 16 states. Award ceremonies are currently being held in different regions of the country including Arizona, California, Colorado, Virginia, and New York.

On Sunday, August 20, nine Aspire PAC members attended the Eastern Regional Ceremony, held at the Riverdale YM-YWHA in the Bronx. Members of the award-winning You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown ensemble performed "Glee Club Rehearsal" for the auditorium full of other award nominees and winners.

Aspire PAC Artistic Director Lisa Beth Vettoso said "I am truly honored for the recognition that Aspire has received from NYA. Our performers work extremely hard as individuals and as a team to maximize their potential, support each other, and put up the strongest productions possible. These awards and nominations celebrate their effort and dedication. I am especially grateful for the Outstanding Ensemble award, as it reinforces the importance of teamwork - an incredibly valuable lesson both on stage and off."

NYA is known for recognizing standout talent across the country. Award-winning alumni include Tony Nominee Emily Skeggs (Broadway: Fun Home), Veronica Dunne (Broadway: Chicago), and Grammy Nominee Ariana Grande.

Aspire PAC's mission is to provide educational workshops and production opportunities for children and teens, offering a professional arts experience in a friendly atmosphere. For more information about Aspire PAC and its upcoming programs, visit www.aspirepac.com or call 201-220-4933.

Full Nomination List:

• Lead Actor in a Musical:
  • George Massood as Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer
  • Anthony Paterno as Charlie Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

• Lead Actor (Junior Division):
  • Chris Perez as Bert in Mary Poppins Jr.
• Lead Actress (Junior Division):
  • Brooke Beach as Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins Jr.

• Supporting Actor in a Musical:
  • David Rivera, Jr. as Schroeder in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
• Supporting Actress in a Musical:
  • Jolien Avena as Snoopy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
  • Jillian Cetrulo as Holly in The Wedding Singer
  • Courtney Bulger as Lucy Van Pelt in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
  • Annie Pascale as Linda in The Wedding Singer

• Supporting Actor (Junior Division):
  • Gerald Cetrulo as Linus Van Pelt in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
  • Liam Sheffield as Michael in Mary Poppins Jr.
• Supporting Actress (Junior Division):
  • Lillian Kopacz as Jane in Mary Poppins Jr.
• Featured Actress (Junior Division):
  • Gabriana Padilla as Bird Woman in Mary Poppins Jr.

• Outstanding Ensemble:
  • The Wedding Singer
  • Mary Poppins Jr. (Junior Division)

• Choreography:
  • Lisa Beth Vettoso for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
• Direction:
  • Lisa Beth Vettoso for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown