2026 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards Winners Revealed

The award recipients of Broadway In Chicago’s 15th Annual Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA ) were announced and presented last night, in an award ceremony sponsored by NBC 5, celebrating outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre performances at Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place on Monday, May 11.

This year’s Best Performer in an Actor Role is Logan Arroyo of Lincoln-Way East High School (Frankfort, IL) for his portrayal of Will Bloom in BIG FISH: SCHOOL EDITION. Jane Nuich of Maine South High School (Park Ridge, IL) for her portrayal of Eurydice in HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION, is the Best Performer in an Actress Role. Logan and Jane will represent the State of Illinois on an all-expense paid trip to New York City to participate in The Jimmy Awards (The National High School Musical Theatre Awards). The Jimmy Awards are named for legendary Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander. The trip to The Jimmy Awards will consist of a 10-day long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on a Broadway stage on June 22, 2026.

Broadway In Chicago also announced Best Performer in an Actor Role Runner-Up, Nolan Maddox of Oak Park and River Forest High School (Oak Park, IL) and Best Performer in an Actress Role Runner-Up Madeline Ranieri of William Fremd High School (Palatine, IL) should either of the best performers be unable to represent IHSMTA at The Jimmy Awards.

Broadway In Chicago was also thrilled to announce the inaugural recipient of the Backstage Champion Award presented by Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom, awarded this year to Navion Curry of Belvidere North High School (Belvidere, IL), for his achievement in the field of Stage Management. The Backstage Champion Award evaluates the skillsets of students in technical, design, and production roles whose dedication, creativity, and leadership behind the scenes helped to bring their high school’s production to life.

Additional awards included Best Direction Award to Rob Boncosky for Cary-Grove High School’s production of URINETOWN; Best Ensemble Award to Dunlap High School for GUYS AND DOLLS; and Best Production to Coal City High School for FROZEN.

During the awards ceremony, the nominees performed a musical number from Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, taught by company member Lamont J. Whitaker. In addition, Whitaker led a special Q&A and served on the panel of judges alongside fellow industry professionals who selected the award recipients. The North American Tour of the world’s most popular musical LES MISÉRABLES makes its final return to Chicago for a limited two-week engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) beginning tonight, May 12 through May 24.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Sound Design - Top 3

1. Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys

39.2% of votes

2. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

12.5% of votes

3. Kai Harada - Ragtime

7.2% of votes

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