Six SpotLight Students Selected in Initial Round Of HS Musical Theatre Awards

Six top Minnesota students from Hennepin Theatre Trust's SpotLight. Musical Theatre Program were selected by audition to proceed to the final round for the chance to compete in the June 28 National High School Musical Theatre Awards at Broadway's Marquis Theatre. Two students will be chosen after continued evaluation by the panel of judges to travel to New York, courtesy of the Trust and Sun Country Airlines. As part of the National Awards process, they will receive master classes and private coaching from theatre professionals plus the opportunity to earn $10,000 to further their education, as well as eligibility for four-year merit and need-based scholarship assistance to attend the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Department of Drama, Undergraduate at New Studio on Broadway: Music Theatre and Acting, contingent upon acceptance into the program. The two student winners will be announced at the SpotLight Musical Theatre Awards on Monday, June 14 at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.

WHO: The six students selected to proceed to the next round are:

· Caleb Craig, Andover High School

· Javier Ferreira, Eagan High School

· Nathaniel Irvin, Minnetonka High School

· Haley Kurr, Wayzata High School

· Emily Picardi, Andover High School

· Kelsey Schroeder, Moorhead High School

BACKGROUND:

The SpotLight Musical Theatre Program, Hennepin Theatre Trust's flagship educational initiative, celebrates students who participate and excel in their high school musical.

For more information on the SpotLight Program or to purchase tickets to the

7 p.m., Monday, June 14 SpotLight Musical Theatre Awards at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, please visit www.hennepintheatretrust.org.