STAGE TUBE: Winners J.R. Heckman and Kate Klika Talk the 2016 DAZZLE AWARDS

With the aim of inspiring performance and recognizing the importance of musical theater and arts education in Northeast Ohio high schools, Playhouse Square proudly held its inaugural Dazzle Awards ceremony on Saturday, May 21. The Dazzle Awards are affiliated with the National High School Musical Theatre Awards ("The Jimmy Awards") presented by The Broadway League Foundation.

The recipients of the 2016 John and Patricia Chapman Best Actor and Best Actress Dazzle Awards will represent Northeast Ohio at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmys) on Monday, June 27, 2016. Check out the video, which features the two winners!

As recipients of the John and Patricia Chapman Best Actress and Actor Awards, Kate Klika (sophomore) and J.R. Heckman (freshman) will represent Northeast Ohio at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards ("The Jimmy Awards") on June 27. To make it possible for their families to attend the ceremony with them, Playhouse Square presented Kate and J.R. each with checks for $1000.

The largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York, the not-for-profitPlayhouse Square is Northeast Ohio's destination for Broadway and more great entertainment. Playhouse Square is a champion of arts education and downtown Cleveland, and proud to be the home of Cleveland Play House, Cleveland State University Department of Theatre and Dance, DANCECleveland, Great Lakes Theater and Tri-C JazzFest.

The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA) impacts more than 50,000 students who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of Touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. A Best Actress and Best Actor winner from each of these competitions is sent to New York for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on Broadway, where a panel of judges crowns the nation's top performers. Also known as The Jimmy™ Awards, named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $1,000,000 in educational scholarships. In 2012, the program inspired preeminent broadcaster WGBH Boston to produce a 3-part documentary series called "Broadway or Bust," which follows students on a journey from their hometown competitions to their debut on Broadway. The series remains popular viewing at pbs.org. Presented by The Broadway League Foundation, the eighth annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards will take place on Monday, June 27, 2016 at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. Coaching and rehearsals for this one-of-a-kind event will be held Sunday, June 19, 2016 through Monday, June 27, 2016 in New York City. For more