Feature: BROADWAY BOUND AWARDS 2026 at Robinson Center in Little Rock

There is nothing that sends my theatre-loving heart into full jazz hands mode quite like watching young performers step into the spotlight and belt their way toward Broadway dreams, and the 2026 Broadway Bound Awards, presented by Celebrity Attractions in partnership with Stage 13, was an absolutely dazzling reminder that the future of musical theatre in Arkansas is sparkling brighter than the marquee lights on Broadway Theatre. Held on May 11 at the magnificent Robinson Center, the evening brought together the most talented high school musical theatre performers from across the state for a glittering celebration of artistry, education, and the magic that happens when young people are given a stage and encouraged to dream big.

The Broadway Bound Awards give Arkansas students the opportunity to perform before industry professionals and compete for an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City, where two winners represent the state at the prestigious Jimmy Awards. More than just a competition, the event is a theatrical fairy godmother moment, offering mentorship, recognition, and the thrilling possibility that those Playbill-filled daydreams may soon become reality.

Hosted with Broadway-worthy charisma by Chris Kane, the evening unfolded with the polish and excitement of a true Tony Awards telecast. Kane’s enthusiasm was wonderfully infectious, and he had the perfect ability to make every student feel like they were already stars.

The judging panel added serious Broadway sparkle to the evening. Skye Scott, Madison Johnson, Matt Redmond, Taylor Iman Jones, Josh Inman, and Christian Waldron brought a wealth of professional experience and insightful feedback to the finalists. For these students, performing in front of artists of this caliber was like getting a golden ticket straight to the Great White Way.

Even with a few technical difficulties along the way, the excitement inside Robinson Center never dipped for a second. In true theatre-kid fashion, the students and their supporters handled every hiccup with grace and plenty of enthusiastic cheering. Every finalist arrived with their own devoted fan club, and the energy in the auditorium was absolutely electric. El Dorado deserves a special standing ovation for bringing an entire busload of supporters to cheer their four participants. Between the thunderous applause and proud tears, the evening felt like one giant statewide cast party. 

One of the most thrilling moments of the night was, of course, the announcement of the Top 3 finalists.

The Top 3 male finalists were John Sullivan from Hot Springs World Class High School, Evan Hauser from Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, and Collin Carlton from Pulaski Academy.

The Top 3 female finalists were Annie Zimmerman from Episcopal Collegiate School, Blakely White from Little Rock Christian Academy, and Mallory Lafferty from Pulaski Academy.

Another especially meaningful moment came when John Sullivan received the Spirit of Broadway Award, voted on by his fellow finalists. There is no compliment sweeter than being recognized by your peers, and this honor speaks volumes about John’s kindness, leadership, and the bright, supportive energy he brings wherever he goes.

The celebration of talent extended well beyond the Top 3 finalists. Charlie Johnson of Episcopal Collegiate School danced away with both the Director’s Award for Outstanding Dancer and the People’s Choice Award, proving that he dazzled both the judges and the audience. Nyla Newton of Bryant High School earned the Triple Threat Award, which in musical theatre terms is basically the gold standard of awesome. Jordan Easter of Joe T. Robinson High School received the Director’s Award for Outstanding Vocalist. Lauren Smith of El Dorado High School was presented with the Rising Star Award. Morgan Humble of Lakeside High School earned the Director’s Choice for Outstanding Actor, and Khollin Franklin of Maumelle High School received the Breakthrough Performance Award.

Then came the confetti-worthy moment everyone had been waiting for. When Annie Zimmerman and Collin Carlton were announced as the 2026 Broadway Bound Awards winners, Robinson Center erupted in cheers loud enough to be heard all the way to Times Square. These two extraordinary performers will travel to New York City this summer to train with Broadway professionals and proudly represent Arkansas at the Jimmy Awards.

Having recently watched both Annie and Collin perform in Stage 13’s Pre-Professional Showcase, I can say with full fangirl confidence that these two are the real deal. Annie possesses a magnetic Stage Presence and emotional honesty that makes it impossible to look away, while Collin combines powerhouse vocals with effortless charm and the kind of confidence that lights up an entire theatre. Arkansas could not have selected two more sensational ambassadors.

My starry-heart eyes go to every single student who took part in this remarkable event. The level of talent on display was so jaw-droppingly high that choosing winners must have felt nearly impossible. Each finalist brought discipline, creativity, vulnerability, and enough raw talent to make even the most seasoned Broadway veteran sit up and take notice.

What touches me most about the Broadway Bound Awards is its tremendous educational impact. Thanks to Deana McCormack of Celebrity Attractions and the staff at Stage 13 for investing in Arkansas’s young artists and giving them the chance to perform on one of the state’s grandest stages. By connecting students with Broadway professionals and creating pathways to national opportunities, they are helping nurture the next generation of stars.

If the 2026 Broadway Bound Awards proved anything, it is that Broadway’s next leading men and ladies may very well be growing up right here in Arkansas. After witnessing the extraordinary talent that lit up Robinson Center, I am already mentally saving Playbills because I have absolutely no doubt that many of these students are destined for spectacular things. Break a leg Collin and Annie! We're rooting for you!

NOMINEES

Beebe High School -- The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical -- Christopher Clark and Bailey Morrison

Bryant High School -- The Addams Family -- Eric Turner and Nyla Newton

Conway High School -- Mamma Mia! -- Lyn McKissick

Crossett High School -- Mamma Mia! -- Ryann White

El Dorado High School -- Six: Teen Edition -- Taylor Phillips and Jazmin Wong-Bennett

El Dorado High School -- Anastasia -- Michael McLeese and Lauren Smith

Episcopal Collegiate School -- Shrek! The Musical

-- Charlie Johnson and Annie Zimmerman

Fountain Lake High School -- Little Shop of Horrors -- Daeson Rhodes and Claire Roden

Hot Springs World Class High School -- The Wizard of Oz

-- John Sullivan and Anani Coleman

Joe T. Robinson High School -- Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

-- Jordan Easter and Ava Reed

Lakeside High School -- Hadestown: Teen Edition -- Flyynn Capps and Morgan Humble

Little Rock Central High School -- Little Shop of Horrors -- Gracie Wellborn

Little Rock CHristian Academy -- Bye Bye Birdie -- Kaisson Norwood and Blakely WHite

Maumelle High School -- You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

-- Khollin Franklin and Frankie Martinez

North Little Rock High School -- You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

-- Kekoa How and Madelyn Lawson

Parkview Arts & Science Magnet HIgh School -- Seussical the Musical

-- Evan Hauser and Clara Scuderi

Pulaski Academy -- Hadestown: Teen Edition -- Collin Carlton and Mallory Lafferty

Photo Credit: Warren McCullough

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Off-Broadway Play - Top 3

1. A Christmas Carol (Thorne Adaptation) - PAC NYC

7.4% of votes

2. Prince F****t - Playwrights Horizons

5.9% of votes

3. Kenrex - Lucille Lortel Theatre

4.5% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats