One hundred and fifty talented NYC public school students made their Broadway debuts when the 5th annual SHUBERT FOUNDATION HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE FESTIVAL for NYC Public Schools took place on Monday, March 18 at the Music Box Theatre. We've got an inside look at the evening below!
Hosting the event was Broadway star Christopher Sieber, who is currently appearing in the new hit Broadway musical, The Prom. He was joined by fellow Broadway stars: Lisa Brescia (Dear Evan Hansen), Joe Iconis (Be More Chill), (Isabelle McCalla (The Prom), Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (original star of Caroline, Or Change), and Tony nominee Lauren Ridloff (Children of a Lesser God).
The High School Theatre Festival showcased the ongoing excellent theatre work currently taking place in NYC public high schools while highlighting the positive effects of theatre study on skills for the stage and in life: collaboration, artistry, discipline, focus, literacy, student voice, self-awareness, presence, active listening and empathy. The evening focused on the impact that a full theatre program can have on students and school communities, and enabled students to see theatre and the arts as a potential career path.
Photo Credit: Monroe George

Paul L. King, Robert E. Wankel, Michael I. Sovern, Tonya Pinkins, Christopher Sieber, Lauren Ridloff, Christina Soujous, Joe Iconis, Isabelle McCalla, Vicki Reiss, Amy Dorfman Wine, Linda P. Chen, and High School Theatre Festival Student Performers

Robert E. Wankel, Michael I. Sovern, Tonya Pinkins, Christopher Sieber, Lauren Ridloff, Christina Soujous, Joe Iconis, Isabelle McCalla, Paul L. King, and High School Theatre Festival Student Performers

Robert E. Wankel, Michael I. Sovern, Tonya Pinkins, Christopher Sieber, Lauren Ridloff, Christina Soujous, Joe Iconis, and Isabelle McCalla

Tonya Pinkins, Christopher Sieber, Lauren Ridloff, Christina Soujous, Joe Iconis, and Isabelle McCalla

Tonya Pinkins, Christopher Sieber, Lauren Ridloff, and Christina Soujous

Linda P. Chen, Christina Soujous, Paul L. King, Isabelle McCalla, Michael I. Sovern, Tonya Pinkins, Lauren Ridloff, Christopher Seiber, Lisa Brescia, and Phillip J. Smith

Christina Soujous, Paul L. King, Isabelle McCalla, Michael I. Sovern, Tonya Pinkins, Lauren Ridloff, Christopher Seiber, Lisa Brescia, and Phillip J. Smith

Paul L. King, Michael I. Sovern, Tonya Pinkins, Lauren Ridloff, and Phillip J. Smith

Host Christopher Sieber joins the cast of Curtis High School's 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Host Christopher Sieber joins the cast of Curtis High School's 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Host Christopher Sieber joins the cast of Curtis High School's 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
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