Maltz Jupiter Theatre's Conservatory Names Recipients of Annual Awards

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts has announced the recipients of its annual Conservatory Awards.

Named for donors who made the physical construction of the Conservatory possible, the six awards are merit based acknowledgements of hard work, positive attitudes, and willingness to go the extra mile.

“We have dozens of hardworking, talented students at our Conservatory, but these students, in particular, have shown dedication and perseverance throughout the year,” said Julie Rowe, director of the Conservatory. “We are so grateful to the donors and parents that help make the Conservatory such a vibrant place for our students to continue to thrive and cultivate their talents.” 

The winners were honored at a fundraiser luncheon on March 31 at Frenchman’s Reserve in Palm Beach Gardens. The event included a student showcase of Conservatory productions, including the musical Pippin, which will be performed on the Theatre stage May 18 and 19 and features many of the award recipients.

Here’s a look at the Conservatory’s 2012 recipients:

Conservatory musical theatre, dance and voice student Patrick Condon, 17, earned The Mary Ellen and Dermot Healey Award for Leadership, given to a student who has inspired and motivated their fellow classmates, both in the studio and on stage. It is for a student who takes charge, makes decisions in the best interest of the other cast members and holds production values high. 

Patrick has been a Conservatory student since 2006, has performed in eight Conservatory productions, the Theatre’s professional production of The Sound of Music and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. He is a senior at Jupiter High School.

Conservatory piano and dance student Skye Friedman, 10, earned The Jodi Ann Saltzman Memorial Award for “Most Spirited,”given to the individual in the Conservatory who is always willing to give of themselves to the moment. The student continues to pursue their love of the performing arts with passion and enthusiasm.

Skye has been a Conservatory student since 2007 and has performed in six Conservatory productions and in the Theatre’s professional production of The Sound of Music. She is homeschooled and in 4^th grade.

Conservatory musical theatre, dance and voice student Gabriela Abadia, 14, earned the Dr. Bernard and Phyllis Eisenstein Cultural Award, given to a student who is aware of the impact that their rich cultural heritage has had on the arts. This student shares that heritage with fellow students and the greater community and celebrates cultural differences. 

Gabriella has been a Conservatory student since 2010 and has performed in four Conservatory productions. She is a freshman at Suncoast High School. 

Conservatory musical theatre, dance and voice student Jessica Woodard, 17, earned The O’Hagan Family Award for Outstanding Improvement, given to a student who has shown marked improvement in any one of the three disciplines – acting, voice, or dance. The student must show progress and regular attendance in class. 

Jessica has been a Conservatory student since 2009, has performed in seven Conservatory productions and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. She is homeschooled and in 11^th grade. 

Conservatory musical theatre, dance, and voice student Lauren O’Keefe, 15, earned The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Guild Award, given to a student who has shown commitment, determination and marked improvement in any one of the three disciplines – acting, dance, or voice. It is given to a student who best exemplifies the hard work needed to develop their talent. 

Lauren has been a Conservatory student since 2010, has performed in three Conservatory productions and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. She is a freshman at G-Star School of the Arts.

Conservatory musical theatre, dance, and voice student Emily Gough, 12, earned The Rick and Peggy Katz Award for Outstanding Achievement, given to the student who has shown marked progress in all three disciplines – acting, dance, and voice. The student shows excellence in attendance, preparation and maintains a positive attitude.

Emily has been a Conservatory student since 2010, has performed in three Conservatory productions, the Theatre’s professional production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. She is in 7^thgrade at Bak Middle School of the Arts. 

A new award was given this year to Conservatory musical theatre, dance and voice student Cristina Caperna, 18, who earned The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Choice Award, presented to the student who has made outstanding contributions to advance the Theatre.

Cristina has been a Conservatory student since 2010, has performed in five Conservatory productions and performs with the Theatre’s Youth Touring Company. She is homeschooled and in 12^th grade.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory's workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand about the world of theatre from nationally known composers and performers, agents and local instructors. 

For more information on the Conservatory’s programs, call 561-575-2672 for more information or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.