35th Annual Gene Kelly Awards Announces Winners

An enthusiastic sold-out crowd filled the Benedum Center as Pittsburgh CLO celebrated Allegheny County’s finest high school musical theater performers at the 35th Annual Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Established in 1991, and named for legendary performer and Pittsburgh native Gene Kelly, the awards celebrate the extraordinary talent, creativity, and collaboration taking place on high school stages throughout Allegheny County each year.

The event featured live performances from eight schools nominated for Outstanding Musical and highlighted 12 student finalists nominated for Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Actress. Gene Kelly’s widow, Patricia Ward Kelly, was a special guest presenter, bringing an even deeper connection to the ceremony’s namesake.

The Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater does more than honor performance, they elevate the role of arts education and provide opportunities for growth, leadership, and lifelong confidence. Through the discipline of rehearsals and the teamwork required on and off stage, students gain skills that translate directly to college, careers, and leadership roles in any field. These experiences foster communication, adaptability, and a strong work ethic – all qualities that prepare students for success far beyond graduation.

"What makes the Gene Kelly Awards so special isn’t just the talent, it’s the teamwork and support these students show for one another," said Jim Scriven, Director of Education at Pittsburgh CLO. "Whether they’re on stage, backstage, or cheering from the audience, they are building a community rooted in creativity, respect, and shared passion."

Pittsburgh CLO's Gene Kelly Awards presented over $70,000 in scholarships, including the following college-bound seniors: Point Park University presented Theodor Mertz & Oliver Moore with a scholarship renewable for four years, to attend Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. Seton Hill University presented Anya Bakaturski with scholarships to attend Seton Hill University. Slippery Rock University presented Madison Williams-Powell with a scholarship to attend Slippery Rock University.

Gene Kelly Cash Scholarships were awarded to three high school seniors who have applied and were accepted to a school for the performing or technical arts: Mariana Mangual, Eamonn McElfresh, & Linnea Polen.

The Pittsburgh CLO Ambassadors awarded scholarships to college-bound students who will be pursuing a major outside of the arts: Ashlyn Casale, Zoe Kaczmarek, Ava Isasky, Autumn Miller, & Isaac Reitzell.

The Charles Gray Award for Special Achievement in Arts Education was presented to St. Benedict the Moor School in recognition of its arts education program. The school has made an enduring commitment to use the arts as a way to build community, develop empathy, and promote leadership skills. The school was presented with an award and a cash prize.

Now in its 23rd year, The Kelly Critics program is a joint partnership between Pittsburgh CLO, Dr. Christopher Rawson, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Katelynn Burger from Baldwin High School was presented with the Christopher Rawson Kelly Critics Award and a cash prize.

The judging panel, comprised of performing arts educators, arts administrators, entertainment professionals, and performers have spent the past three months attending performances at the following Allegheny County Schools: Avonworth High School, Baldwin High School, Bishop Canevin High School, Carlynton Jr./Sr. High School, Central & Oakland Catholic High Schools, Chartiers Valley High School, Cornell School District, Deer Lakes High School, Eden Christian Academy, Elizabeth Forward High School, Gateway High School, Hampton High School, Keystone Oaks High School, McKeesport Area High School, Montour High School, North Hills High School, Northgate High School, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, Penn Hills High School, Pine-Richland High School, Pittsburgh Allderdice High School, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12, Plum Senior High School, Quaker Valley High School, Redeemer Lutheran School, Riverview Jr./Sr. High School, Saint Joseph High School, Serra Catholic High School, Seton LaSallle Catholic High School, Sewickley Academy, Shady Side Academy Senior School, Springdale Jr./Sr. High School, Steel Valley Senior High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, West Allegheny High School, Westinghouse Arts Academy, and Woodland Hills High School.

The winners for Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Actress will represent Pittsburgh CLO’s Gene Kelly Awards in the Jimmy Awards® National High School Musical Theatre Awards® in New York City on Monday, June 22.

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