Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners for the 5th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards!

BEST FEATURED ACTOR

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Jess Westman as JoJo, Seussical
Aledo H.S. – Andy Brite as Underling, The Drowsy Chaperone
All Saints’ Episcopal School – Austin Decker as Robert Martin, The Drowsy Chaperone
Birdville H.S. – Luke Flowers as Peter, Narnia, the Musical
Grapevine H.S. – Matthew Lavery as Frank Abagnale, Sr., Catch Me If You Can
Guyer H.S. – Corbin Born as George Banks, Mary Poppins
WINNER: McKinney Boyd H.S. – Bryson Jackson as Nicely Nicely, Guys and Dolls
North Lamar H.S. – Paul Bayer as Robertson Ay, Mary Poppins
Northwest H.S. – Vincent Witherspoon, Eli Witherspoon, Jonathan Sneed, and Gibson Terry as The School Board, The Music Man
Pearce H.S. – Jack Durham as R. F. Simpson, Singin’ in the Rain
Rowlett H.S. – Zach Taylor as Major General, The Pirates of Penzance
Weatherford H.S. – Robert Chavez as Horton, Seussical

BEST FEATURED ACTRESS

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Raissa Teta as Sour Kangaroo, Seussical 
Aledo H.S. – Mallory Bomhoff as Kitty, The Drowsy Chaperone 
All Saints’ Episcopal School – Renee Merrill as Kitty, The Drowsy Chaperone
Berkner H.S. – Ashley Johnson as Jan, Grease 
Birdville H.S. – Olivia Simms as Susan, Narnia, the Musical 
Grapevine H.S. – Ashley Munson as Carol Strong, Catch Me If You Can
Guyer H.S. – Ally Roberts as Winifred Banks, Mary Poppins
North Lamar H.S. – Anna Holbrook as Mrs. Brill, Mary Poppins
WINNER: Pearce H.S. – Shelby Griswold as Zelda Zanders, Singin’ in the Rain
Richardson H.S. – Bethany Jelinek as Vi, Footloose
Teague H.S. – Hannah Anderson as Miss Sandra, All Shook Up 
Weatherford H.S. – Kelsie Schlosser as Sour Kangaroo, Seussical

BEST SCENIC DESIGN

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical
Carroll Senior H.S. – Young Frankenstein
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts – All Shook Up
Lake Country Christian School – Titanic
Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me Kate
Mabank H.S. – Thoroughly Modern Millie
WINNER: Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain
Plano Senior H.S. – Legally Blonde
Plano West H.S. – Funny Girl
Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance
Waco H.S. – She Loves Me

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady
WINNER: Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish
Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me Kate
McKinney H.S. – Once Upon a Mattress
North Forney H.S. – Happy Days, The Musical
North Lamar H.S. – Mary Poppins
Pantego Christian School – The Fantasticks
Plano East H.S. – Urinetown
Richardson H.S. – Footloose
Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance
Waco H.S. – She Loves Me
Weatherford H.S. – Seussical

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Centennial H.S. – Disney’s High School Musical
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady
Denton H.S. – Into the Woods
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts– All Shook Up
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish
Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me Kate
Mansfield H.S. – Sweeney Todd
Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain
Plano East H.S. – Urinetown
WINNER: Rockwall H.S. – The Addams Family
Southwest Christian School – Shrek The Musical
Weatherford H.S. – Seussical

BEST ALL-STUDENT ORCHESTRA

Berkner H.S. – Grease
Garland H.S. – The Music Man
Highland Park H.S. – Cinderella
Independence H.S. – Once Upon a Mattress
Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me Kate
McKinney Boyd H.S. – Guys and Dolls
Mansfield H.S. – Sweeney Todd
Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain
Southwest Christian School – Shrek The Musical
WINNER: R.L. Turner H.S. – My Fair Lady
Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot
Wylie H.S. – Shrek The Musical

BEST ENSEMBLE/CHORUS

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical
All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady
Forney H.S. – The Addams Family
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish
Grapevine H.S. – Catch Me If You Can
Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins
Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me Kate
WINNER: North Lamar H.S., Paris – Mary Poppins
Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain
Plano Senior H.S. – Legally Blonde
Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot

BEST CREW & TECHNICAL EXECUTION

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical
All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone
WINNER: Carroll Senior H.S. – Young Frankenstein
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady
Forney H.S. – The Addams Family
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish
Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins
Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me Kate
North Lamar H.S. – Mary Poppins
Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain
University H.S. – Cinderella
Wakeland H.S. – Mary Poppins

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Aledo H.S. – The Drowsy Chaperone
WINNER: All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone
Carroll Senior H.S. – Young Frankenstein
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts – All Shook Up
Grapevine H.S. – Catch Me If You Can
Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins
McKinney Boyd H.S. – Guys and Dolls
Plano East H.S. – Urinetown
Plano Senior H.S. – Legally Blonde
Richardson H.S. – Footloose
Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance
University H.S. – Cinderella

BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical
All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone
Birdville H.S. – Narnia, The Musical
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady
Forney H.S. – The Addams Family
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish
Grapevine H.S. – Catch Me If You Can
Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins
McKinney Boyd H.S. – Guys and Dolls
North Lamar H.S. – Mary Poppins
Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain
WINNER: Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot

BEST DIRECTION

WINNER: Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical
Aledo H.S. – The Drowsy Chaperone
All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone
Birdville H.S. – Narnia, The Musical
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish
Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins
Independence H.S. – Once Upon a Mattress
Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me Kate
North Lamar H.S. – Mary Poppins
Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance
Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Cody Free as Cat in the Hat, Seussical
Aledo H.S. – William Pinckard as Man in Chair, The Drowsy Chaperone
All Saints’ Episcopal School –Brazos Pinto as Man in Chair, The Drowsy Chaperone
Carroll Senior H.S. – Tyler James as Igor, Young Frankenstein
Grapevine H.S. – James Myers as Carl Hanratty, Catch Me If You Can
Guyer H.S. – Tanner Garmon as Michael Banks, Mary Poppins
Lake Highlands H.S. – Robert Mahurin as Lucentio / Bill, Kiss Me, Kate
Nolan Catholic H.S. – Justin Norris as Donkey, Shrek The Musical
WINNER: Pearce H.S. – Jake Griffin as Cosmo Brown, Singin’ in the Rain 
Rockwall H.S. –Travis Bomkamp as Patsy, Spamalot
Waxahachie H.S. – Calvin Rehonic as King Arthur, Spamalot
Weatherford H.S. – Jett Good as JoJo, Seussical

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Shelby Walker as Mayzie LaBird, Seussical
Aledo H.S. – Abby Dean as Janet Van de Graaf, The Drowsy Chaperone
All Saints’ Episcopal School – Grace Evans as The Chaperone, The Drowsy Chaperone
Birdville H.S. – Hannah Detrick as Lucy, Narnia, the Musical
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – Breanne Jackson as Mrs. Pearce, My Fair Lady
Grapevine H.S. – Josie Moyer as Paula Abagnale, Catch Me If You Can
Guyer H.S. – Ashlynn Stewart as Jane Banks, Mary Poppins
Midway H.S. – Sarah Jane Byford as Jane Banks, Mary Poppins
North Lamar H.S. – Kallyn Burchinal as Winifred Banks, Mary Poppins
Nolan Catholic H.S. – Gabrielle Falcon as Dragon / Mama Ogre, Shrek The Musical
Pearce H.S. – Claire Greenberg as Lina Lamont, Singin’ in the Rain
WINNER: Weatherford H.S. – Claire Crenshaw as Mayzie LaBird, Seussical

BEST LEADING ACTOR

Carroll Senior H.S. – Drew Brown as Young Frankenstein, Young Frankenstein
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – Ryland Kaiser as Henry Higgins, My Fair Lady
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Christian Wickoff as Edward Bloom, Big Fish
WINNER: Guyer H.S. – John Frederickson as Bert, Mary Poppins
Independence H.S. – Luke Weber as Sir Harry, Once Upon a Mattress
Pantego Christian School – Ray Solis as El Gallo, The Fantasticks
Pearce H.S. – Sam Snyder as Don Lockwood, Singin’ in the Rain
South Garland H.S. – Sammy Swim as The Emcee, Cabaret
Waxahachie H.S. – Blake Sauceda as Sir Robin, Spamalot

BEST LEADING ACTRESS

All Saints’ Episcopal School – Sarah Boone as Janet Van de Graaf, The Drowsy Chaperone
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – Melanie Chandler as Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Alexandra Doke as Sandra, Big Fish
Guyer H.S. – Malana Wilson as Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins
Independence H.S. – Sophia Kaiafas as Lady Larkin, Once Upon a Mattress
Plano East H.S. – Claire Methvin as Little Sally, Urinetown
Plano West H.S. – Meg Grinde as Fanny Brice, Funny Girl
WINNER: Waxahachie H.S. – Kaiden Maines as Lady of the Lake, Spamalot
Weatherford H.S. – Emily Hatch as Gertrude McFuzz, Seussical

BEST MUSICAL

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical
Carroll Senior H.S. – Young Frankenstein
Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish
Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins
Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain
Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance
WINNER: Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot

About the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards

Dallas Summer Musicals is a nonprofit organization committed to education, which led us to begin the awards program patterned after Broadway’s Tony Awards®. The 5th annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards brings stars, community celebrities, show business veterans and Dallas leaders together for an evening of celebration.

Tonight we shine our spotlight on the educational achievements of high school students and their high school musical theatre programs. Nominees arrive on the red carpet before entering the Music Hall at Fair Park. The award show begins with our opening number featuring students nominated for Best Actor & Actress, Best Supporting Actor & Actress, and Best Featured Actor & Actress. The show ends with 2 representatives from each participating high school together on stage. Between the opening downbeat and the final curtain, we present 16 awards and 8 Best Musical Nominee performances. In addition, we award 7 university scholarships to outstanding high school seniors. The energy and excitement in the Largest Theater in Big “D,” the Music Hall at Fair Park, is thrilling!!!

In five years, DSM HSMTA has become the second largest program in the country! We have grown from 33 high schools to 67 high schools presenting 70 productions. Each School’s performance is evaluated by a panel of judges, who are working professionals in the arts, entertainment, acting, music, dance, theatre education, arts administration, talent management and production design. Ballots are tabulated by the accounting firm of Grant Thornton LLP, and the top scoring schools in each category are nominated. Awards are given to: Best Actor & Actress, Best Supporting Actor & Actress, Best Featured Actor & Actress, Best Direction, Best Musical Direction, Best Ensemble, Best Orchestra, Best Choreography, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting, Best Crew and Best Musical. In addition, several cash scholarships will be presented this year to outstanding students nominated by their teachers.

The Best Actor & Actress winners receive an all-expense paid five-day trip to New York City. They will perform on Broadway at the Minskoff Theatre, where they will represent DSM HSMTA in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Nederlander Awards) for a chance to win prizes and scholarships.

And the Nominees are in!

We’ve waited all year – amazing performances from amazing high schools were judged by industry professionals since last fall through a couple of weeks ago. Now, we can finally announce the nominees for the 5th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards! See the full list below (in alpha order by high school)! Congratulations to all of the high schools, students, and teachers for an outstanding year of musicals!

Direction

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical

Aledo H.S. – The Drowsy Chaperone

All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone

Birdville H.S. – Narnia, The Musical

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady

Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish

Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins

Independence H.S. – Once Upon a Mattress

Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me, Kate

North Lamar H.S. – Mary Poppins

Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance

Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot

Choreography

Aledo H.S. –  The Drowsy Chaperone

All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone

Carroll Senior H.S. – Young Frankenstein

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts – All Shook Up

Grapevine H.S. – Catch Me If You Can

Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins

McKinney Boyd H.S. – Guys and Dolls

Plano East H.S. – Urinetown

Plano Senior H.S. – Legally Blonde

Richardson H.S. – Footloose

Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance

University H.S. – Cinderella

Musical Direction

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical

All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone

Birdville H.S. – Narnia, The Musical

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady

Forney H.S. – The Addams Family

Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish

Grapevine H.S. – Catch Me If You Can

Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins

McKinney Boyd H.S. – Guys and Dolls

North Lamar H.S. – Mary Poppins

Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain

Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot

Orchestra

Berkner H.S. – Grease

Garland H.S. – The Music Man

Highland Park  H.S. – Cinderella

Independence H.S. – Once Upon a Mattress

Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me, Kate

McKinney Boyd H.S. – Guys and Dolls

Mansfield H.S. – Sweeney Todd

Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain

Southwest Christian School – Shrek The Musical

R.L. Turner H.S. –My Fair Lady

Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot

Wylie H.S. – Shrek The Musical

Scenic Design

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical

Carroll Senior H.S. – Young Frankenstein

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts – All Shook Up

Lake Country Christian School – Titanic

Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me, Kate

Mabank H.S. – Thoroughly Modern Millie

Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain

Plano Senior H.S. – Legally Blonde

Plano West H.S. – Funny  Girl

Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance

Waco H.S. – She Loves Me

Costume Design

Centennial H.S. – Disney’s High School Musical

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady

Denton H.S. – Into the Woods

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts – All Shook Up

Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish

Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me, Kate

Mansfield H.S. – Sweeney Todd

Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain

Plano East H.S. – Urinetown

Rockwall H.S. – The Addams Family

Southwest  Christian School – Shrek The Musical

Weatherford H.S. – Seussical  

Lighting Design

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady

Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish

Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me, Kate

McKinney H.S. – Once Upon a Mattress

North Forney H.S. – Happy Days, The Musical

North Lamar H.S. – Mary Poppins

Pantego Christian School – The Fantasticks

Plano East H.S. – Urinetown

Richardson H.S. – Footloose

Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance

Waco H.S. – She Loves Me

Weatherford H.S. – Seussical

Stage Crew & Technical Execution

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical

All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone

Carroll Senior H.S. – Young Frankenstein

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady

Forney H.S. – The Addams Family

Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish

Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins

Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me, Kate

North Lamar H.S. – Mary Poppins

Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain

University H.S. – Cinderella

Wakeland H.S. – Mary Poppins

Ensemble/Chorus

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical

All Saints’ Episcopal School – The Drowsy Chaperone

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady

Forney H.S. – The Addams Family

Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish

Grapevine H.S. – Catch Me If You Can

Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins

Lake Highlands H.S. – Kiss Me, Kate

North Lamar H.S., Paris – Mary Poppins

Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain

Plano Senior H.S. – Legally Blonde

Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot

Best Supporting Actor

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Cody Free as Cat in the Hat, Seussical

Aledo H.S. – William Pinckard as Man in Chair, The Drowsy Chaperone

All Saints’ Episcopal School –Brazos Pinto as Man in Chair, The Drowsy Chaperone

Carroll Senior H.S. – Tyler James as Igor, Young Frankenstein

Grapevine H.S. – James Myers as Carl Hanratty, Catch Me If You Can

Guyer H.S. – Tanner Garmon as Michael Banks, Mary Poppins

Lake Highlands H.S. – Robert Mahurin as Lucentio / Bill, Kiss Me, Kate

Nolan Catholic H.S. – Justin Norris as Donkey, Shrek The Musical

Pearce H.S. – Jake Griffin as Cosmo Brown, Singin’ in the Rain

Rockwall H.S. –Travis Bomkamp as Patsy, Spamalot

Waxahachie H.S. – Calvin Rehonic as King Arthur, Spamalot

Weatherford H.S. – Jett Good as JoJo, Seussical

Best Supporting Actress

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Shelby Walker as Mayzie LaBird, Seussical

Aledo H.S. –  Abby Dean as Janet Van de Graaf, The Drowsy Chaperone

All Saints’ Episcopal School – Grace Evans as The Chaperone, The Drowsy Chaperone

Birdville H.S. – Hannah Detrick as Lucy, Narnia, the Musical

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – Breanne Jackson as Mrs. Pearce, My Fair Lady         

Grapevine H.S. – Josie Moyer as Paula Abagnale, Catch Me If You Can

Guyer H.S. – Ashlynn Stewart as Jane Banks, Mary Poppins

Midway H.S. – Sarah Jane Byford as Jane Banks, Mary Poppins

North Lamar H.S. – Kallyn Burchinal as Winifred Banks, Mary Poppins

Nolan Catholic H.S. – Gabrielle Falcon as Dragon / Mama Ogre, Shrek The Musical     

Pearce H.S. – Claire Greenberg as Lina Lamont, Singin’ in the Rain

Weatherford H.S. – Claire Crenshaw as Mayzie LaBird, Seussical

Best Featured Actor

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Jess Westman as JoJo, Seussical

Aledo H.S. – Andy Brite as Underling, The Drowsy Chaperone

All Saints’ Episcopal School – Austin Decker as Robert Martin, The Drowsy Chaperone

Birdville H.S. – Luke Flowers as Peter, Narnia, the Musical

Grapevine H.S. – Matthew Lavery as Frank Abagnale, Sr., Catch Me If You Can

Guyer H.S. – Corbin Born as George Banks, Mary Poppins

McKinney Boyd H.S. – Bryson Jackson as Nicely Nicely, Guys and Dolls

North Lamar H.S. – Paul Bayer as Robertson Ay, Mary Poppins

Northwest H.S. – Vincent Witherspoon, Eli Witherspoon, Jonathan Sneed, and Gibson Terry as The School Board, The Music Man

Pearce H.S. – Jack Durham as R. F. Simpson, Singin’ in the Rain

Rowlett H.S. – Zach Taylor as Major General, The Pirates of Penzance

Weatherford H.S. – Robert Chavez as Horton, Seussical

Best Featured Actress

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Raissa Teta as Sour Kangaroo, Seussical

Aledo H.S. – Mallory Bomhoff as Kitty, The Drowsy Chaperone

All Saints’ Episcopal School – Renee Merrill as Kitty, The Drowsy Chaperone

Berkner H.S. – Ashley Johnson as Jan, Grease

Birdville H.S. – Olivia Simms as Susan, Narnia, the Musical           

Grapevine H.S. – Ashley Munson as Carol Strong, Catch Me If You Can

Guyer H.S. – Ally Roberts as Winifred Banks, Mary Poppins

North Lamar H.S. – Anna Holbrook as Mrs. Brill, Mary Poppins

Pearce H.S. – Shelby Griswold as Zelda Zanders, Singin’ in the Rain

Richardson H.S. – Bethany Jelinek as Vi, Footloose

Teague H.S. – Hannah Anderson as Miss Sandra, All Shook Up       

Weatherford H.S. – Kelsie Schlosser as Sour Kangaroo, Seussical

Best Actor

Carroll Senior H.S. – Drew Brown as Young Frankenstein, Young Frankenstein

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – Ryland Kaiser as Henry Higgins, My Fair Lady

Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Christian Wickoff as Edward Bloom, Big Fish

Guyer H.S. – John Frederickson as Bert, Mary Poppins

Independence H.S. – Luke Weber as Sir Harry, Once Upon a Mattress

Pantego Christian School – Ray Solis as El Gallo, The Fantasticks

Pearce H.S. – Sam Snyder as Don Lockwood, Singin’ in the Rain

South Garland H.S. – Sammy Swim as The Emcee, Cabaret

Waxahachie H.S. – Blake Sauceda as Sir Robin, Spamalot

Best Actress

All Saints’ Episcopal School – Sarah Boone as Janet Van de Graaf, The Drowsy Chaperone

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – Melanie Chandler as Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady

Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Alexandra Doke as Sandra, Big Fish

Guyer H.S. – Malana Wilson as Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins

Independence H.S. – Sophia Kaiafas as Lady Larkin, Once Upon a Mattress

Plano East H.S. – Claire Methvin as Little Sally, Urinetown

Plano West H.S. – Meg Grinde as Fanny Brice, Funny Girl

Waxahachie H.S. – Kaiden Maines as Lady of the Lake, Spamalot

Weatherford H.S. – Emily Hatch as Gertrude McFuzz, Seussical

Best Musical

Abilene H.S. & Cooper H.S. – Seussical

Carroll Senior H.S. – Young Frankenstein

Colleyville Heritage H.S. – My Fair Lady

Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy – Big Fish

Guyer H.S. – Mary Poppins

Pearce H.S. – Singin’ in the Rain

Rowlett H.S. – The Pirates of Penzance

Waxahachie H.S. – Spamalot

Who will win? We will find out at the 5th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Evening on Thursday, April 14th at 7pm at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Want to catch all the action? Tickets are on sale now! Just click here or call 800.514.ETIX.

Congratulations to all of the nominees! Our thanks to WFAA-TV Midday News and Nancy Churnin with The Dallas Morning News for helping us announce these nominees today! Be sure to check out our website at www.dsmhsmta.org for more details about this amazing event! We hope you will join us for an evening you will never forget!

-DSM Amanda

Patterned after Broadway’s Tony Awards®, show business veterans and community celebrities come together to spotlight the achievements of high school students and their school’s musical theatre programs. High schools from all over North Texas participate. Throughout the year, three judges visit each high school and judge the productions in 16 categories.

Each high school’s performance is evaluated by a panel of judges who are all working professionals in the areas of entertainment, arts and theatre education, arts administration, talent management and production design. Ballots are tabulated by the accounting firm of Grant-Thornton and the top scoring high schools in each category are nominated as finalists.

As in the format of the Nationals, the Best Actor and Best Actress winners will not be decided solely by standings. The nominees will perform the evening before the Awards show for the assembled DSM judges and will be scored at that time. The winners will be revealed the next night at the Awards show at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

Several cash scholarships of at least $1,000 each will be presented to outstanding participating students.

Winners of the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress will receive an all-expense paid trip for five days to New York City to represent their high school in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy TM Awards) for the chance to win prizes and scholarships, which vary by year.

For more information, please click here.

John R. Clutts Chairs The 5th Annual
Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards

Mark your calendars for the Awards Show on Thursday, April 14, 2016

(Dallas, TX –August 28, 2015) Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM), announced long-time supporter and DSM Board member John R. Clutts has been named chair of The 5^th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards.

Tracy Jordan, DSM HSMTA Manager, with John Clutts, 2016 DSM HSMTA Chair. Photo by Chris Waits.

As president of The Clutts Agency, Inc., which is a Texas Talent Agency and a SAG/AFTRA franchised agency, John is a former Neiman Marcus executive with 25 years of experience in the photo industry, has performed on stage in many regional productions and taught musical theatre at Dallas Theatre Center. In addition to serving as a DSM board member, he also serves on the Advisory Board of The Dallas Children’s Theater and the Board of Dallas Contemporary. He has served as: VP, USA Film Festival; Chair, Dallas Fashion Incubator; and Chair of the Board of Trustees, DIFFA/Dallas. He has chaired many charitable events, including Cabaret Gala benefiting Dallas Children’s Theater 2011 and 2005; Fresh Faces of Fashion 2007 benefiting Suicide and Crisis Center and DIFFA|Dallas Collection 2001. In 2005, he was awarded DIFFA’s highest award, the Legend Award.

“John’s experience in the community as a dedicated leader and volunteer, along with his business acumen and insight, is the perfect combination for this role as chair of The 5^th Annual High School Musical Awards,” Jenkins said.

“I am honored to chair this program and be a part of its continued development and success,” John replied. “The reach of this program across North Texas is growing and we look forward to even more schools participating next year.”

Celebrating its 5^th year, DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA) had 65 high schools participating in 2015 – which is more than double the first year’s total of 30 high schools participating, representing 33 school districts across North Texas. Among the 65 were also 7 private high schools. This represented a new all-time high of high schools, teachers and students taking part in the program.

DSM HSMTA remains the largest program of its kind in the state and the second largest program in the country. DSM HSMTA has been recognized by The National High School Musical Theatre Awards as their official affiliate program for North Texas.

Since DSM’s First Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards in 2012, this has truly developed into a regional program, accepting high schools as far away as Denton and McKinney to the north, Waco to the south, Abilene to the west and Paris, Texas to the east.

Slated for Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, the awards show is a red carpet affair and the public is invited to join in the excitement. Red carpet arrival begins at 5:30 p.m. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. with performances which include separate medleys of the Best Actor and Best Actress nominees, production numbers from Best Musical nominees and an opening number featuring all nominated performers accompanied by a live orchestra. Winners and scholarship recipients are announced. The show is topped off with a finale of performers from each participating high school.

Based on Broadway’s Tony^® Awards, DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards are designed to recognize and reward excellence in the production of high school musical theatre. Several cash scholarships of at least $1,000 each are awarded. In 2015, DSM awarded seven cash scholarships of $5,000 each to outstanding participating students. To date, DSM has awarded over $100,000 in cash scholarships to outstanding students.

Jenkins said, “This program encourages participation in the musical arts throughout North Texas. It is important to encourage these talented students to follow their dreams and goals and to draw attention to the excellent work being done in education in musicals in our area high schools. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved and a great show! We are grateful to founding sponsors Leah and Jerry Fullinwider for their support and vision, which literally brought this awards program to life.”

Jenkins praised the community’s support saying, “For our preeminent educational outreach program to have grown so significantly in such a short time is a tribute to DSM as a resource to our community and a wonderful testament to the tremendous contribution of the teachers, judges, committee members and volunteers. We encourage everyone to visit the high schools and watch the shows first-hand.”

John added, “With the celebration of its 75^th Anniversary, DSM is putting the focus on the next 75 years as the High School Musical Theatre Awards program spotlights the Broadway stars of tomorrow.”

A three-judge panel of entertainment industry professionals and veteran educators will visit each high school and judge the performers in 16 categories: Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Musical Direction, Best Choreography, Best Orchestra, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting, Best Ensemble, Best Crew, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Featured Male Performer and Best Featured Female Performer. Ballots will be submitted to the accounting firm of Grant Thornton.

Winners of the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress receive an all-expense paid trip for five days to New York City to represent their high school in The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy™ Awards) for the chance to win prizes and scholarships, which vary by year.

Participating high schools and their shows will be listed on the website at http://dallassummermusicals.org/HSMA-Participants.shtm or for questions, contact Tracy Jordan, the program manager at 214-413-3951 or tjordan@dallassummermusicals.org

Facebook page is constantly updated at https://www.facebook.com/DSMHSMTA

National program website: http://www.nhsmta.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

Get updates and news through our social media web sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasSummerMusicals
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dsmusicals
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dsmusicals
Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/v/dallas-summer-musicals/4f204f6b0cd6445b05407d98  Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dsmusicals
WordPress: http://dallassummermusicals.wordpress.com

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education, and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and create important community programs. DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, The Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards and celebrates the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Hear Us Now!™ is DSM’s newest initiative. Since 2010 the experts at DSM have made significant changes and upgrades to its acoustical systems to improve the sound quality of the productions for all its patrons, including the hearing impaired. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Coming this fall, Seats for Vets will serve war veterans and their families by providing them with a unique theatrical experience and thanking them for their service. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Texas Instruments and gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors and partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

###

DSM HSMTA Media Contact, Sharon Adams
(972) 773-9289 | Adamscomm1@aol.com

DSM Publicist & Media Contact, Francisco Chairez
(214) 413-3909 | fchairez@DallasSummerMusicals.org

You are invited to…

THE 5^th ANNUAL DSM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS!

500 of the most talented performers from over 70 schools, with a professional 25 piece orchestra, compete for 16 awards and 7 scholarships… live on stage at THE Largest Theatre in Big “D.”

Save the date! Thursday, April 14^th, 2016 at the Music Hall at Fair Park! We will kick things off with our RED CARPET EVENT at 5:30 PM followed by our LIVE SHOW at 7:00PM!

Thousands of hours of auditions, rehearsals and performances in high schools across Dallas and North Texas are celebrated each spring when this glittering evening marks an exciting culmination to the high school musical season.

58 schools have already registered to participate in this year’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS program with more school entering every week. DSM has already sent representatives to performances at Highland Park High School of CINDERELLA,  J. J. Pearce High School of SWEENEY TODD, The Covenant School of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and Lake Ridge High School for the 25^TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.

The fun continues next week when the curtain goes up on Ft. Worth Academy of Fine Arts’ production of ALL SHOOK UP which runs October 16-18 and October 22-24, 2015. Halloween weekend will see a number of schools presenting ghoulishly fun shows we’re sure you won’t want to miss! Check out our roster of participating schools for show dates and times by clicking here.

Keep up on all things “HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL” by following our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dsmhsmta and create your own post about your high school’s show on our Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSMHSMTA/ and don’t forget to check us out on Instagram by clicking here.

Here are some pics from J Pearce’s SWEENEY TODD!

About the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards
Celebrating its 5^th year, DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA) had 65 high schools participating in 2015 – which is more than double the first year’s total of 30 high schools participating, representing 33 school districts across North Texas. Among the 65 were also 7 private high schools. This represented a new all-time high of high schools, teachers and students taking part in the program.

DSM HSMTA remains the largest program of its kind in the state and the second largest program in the country. DSM HSMTA has been recognized by The National High School Musical Theatre Awards as their official affiliate program for North Texas.

Since DSM’s First Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards in 2012, this has truly developed into a regional program, accepting high schools as far away as Denton and McKinney to the north, Waco to the south, Abilene to the west and Paris, Texas to the east.

Slated for Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, the awards show is a red carpet affair and the public is invited to join in the excitement. Red carpet arrival begins at 5:30 p.m. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. with performances which include separate medleys of the Best Actor and Best Actress nominees, production numbers from Best Musical nominees and an opening number featuring all nominated performers accompanied by a live orchestra. Winners and scholarship recipients are announced. The show is topped off with a finale of performers from each participating high school.

Based on Broadway’s Tony^® Awards, DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards are designed to recognize and reward excellence in the production of high school musical theatre. Several cash scholarships of at least $1,000 each are awarded. In 2015, DSM awarded seven cash scholarships of $5,000 each to outstanding participating students. To date, DSM has awarded over $100,000 in cash scholarships to outstanding students.

A three-judge panel of entertainment industry professionals and veteran educators will visit each high school and judge the performers in 16 categories: Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Musical Direction, Best Choreography, Best Orchestra, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting, Best Ensemble, Best Crew, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Featured Male Performer and Best Featured Female Performer. Ballots will be submitted to the accounting firm of Grant Thornton.

Winners of the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress receive an all-expense paid trip for five days to New York City to represent their high school in The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy™ Awards) for the chance to win prizes and scholarships, which vary by year.

Participating high schools and their shows will be listed on the website at http://DallasSummerMusicals.org/HSMAwards.shtm or for questions, contact Tracy Jordan, the program manager at 214-413-3951 or tjordan@dallassummermusicals.org.

Hi DSM Fans!

We are back for Day 6 of the 2015 National High School Musical Theatre Awards!

Yesterday was the big day for Chris and Katelyn – they got to perform on Broadway for the very first time! Unfortunately we didn’t get to see the performance here at home. Last night was the Jimmy Awards at the Minskoff Theatre (where THE LION KING calls home). And what an incredible evening! Though neither of them won the award for the night, they both have come away from this experience as a better actors and performers! Check out below to hear about their day and see some awesome videos and photos!

From Chris:

Such a bittersweet feeling leaving! I can’t wait to be with my family in NYC, but also so hard to leave these amazing people I met over this week! Performing on Broadway yesterday was the most incredible feeling! I got to meet Michael Cerveris, one of the Matilda kids, and even got a high five from Robbie Fairchild during the closing number! This was the most incredible and rewarding experience of my life and I’m so great full to be here. Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened 🙂 Thanks Dallas!

From Katelyn:

The second the lights came up for the opening number, my heart began to race, my face lit up, and I felt exhilarated and so much at home all at the same time. After that I got to put a character I’d been working on for almost a year now on the Minskoff stage for some of the biggest names in the business. It will go down as one of the most memorable moments that changed my life.

I got to perform on Broadway at the age of 18. That’s something a lot of people can say at any age. I’m just so grateful I got the opportunity to come together with kids all across the country to pull off something incredible. The magic held in the walls of that building will stay with me forever. The people I met were amazingly talented and gifted in what they do whether they’d been all over Broadway, or a kid here for the first time. 

Check out these videos Chris sent us from backstage!

After Rehearsal on stage in the Men’s Dressing Room:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TJhwIi8in8]

Here’s Chris when they called places backstage:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFr5P2WGWnQ]

Finally, their day was best captured via photos. Check them out in the slideshow below!

What a fantastic experience Chris and Katelyn had in NYC. Thanks for tuning in to our blog every day to see their progress and their thoughts. They appreciate all of the love and support they received at home and will never forget this experience! We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and hope to see them back on Broadway soon!

Until next year!

-DSM Amanda

Hi DSM Fans!

We are back for Day 5 of the 2015 National High School Musical Theatre Awards!

Yesterday, Chris and Katelyn had another very full day of rehearsal, but ended the day with their auditions for the National HSMTA Judges! Check out below what they had to say about their day!

“Running through the entire show before the big day!”

From Katelyn:

Hi Dallas! 

So it’s been a crazy few days so far of non stop rehearsal and fine tuning to put up a great show on Broadway. This place is like musical theatre boot camp. The hours are long, the material is taught fast, and very little breaks in between. But I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else with this time. I’m trying to absorb any and all lessons I’m given and treasure every moment that I’ve been in the presence of a Broadway star. This is the kind of stuff I (along with every other participant) live for.

“Made friends with the MC from CABARET! He thinks I look like Liza Minelli. Us Fosse kids gotta stick together!”

Today was the day we performed our solos and medley for the judges of the Jimmy’s, all of which include some of the most famous casting directors of New York (one of them being the casting director of CHICAGO THE MUSICAL’s across the nation,) so you can imagine the pressure I felt while performing 2 different Fosse pieces in front of her. Chris and I did the very best we could and both of us feel no regrets toward our performances. We’ve got high hopes, but no matter what happens, we will leave this place better actors than we were before with some beautiful memories. 

Thanks for all the support!

Can you spot Katelyn and Chris in the group? They’re rehearsing the opening number for the Jimmy Awards!

From Chris:

Sunday is done, and tomorrow we perform on Broadway! Today was a long day of cleaning up the opening number, cleaning medleys, and staging and running the closing number. We ran the whole show through, and it’s looking fantastic!

Tonight we performed our medleys and solos for the judges, which was a lot of fun and an incredible opportunity and experience. I’m so grateful to be here amongst these incredibly talented young men!

Final Night at Tisch NYU!

Tomorrow’s the big day! We head off to the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway in the morning and spend the day rehearsing to open that night! Tomorrow will be a rewarding day topped off with getting to see, and hopefully meet, our host, Sutton Foster!!! I still can’t believe that’s happening! Can’t wait to be in the theater tomorrow and perform that night!

From their chaperone Stacie Smith: “After being judged tonight, they still have smiles on their faces. They both have winning attitudes!”

Today is the big day for Chris and Katelyn – they get to perform on Broadway for the very first time! Unfortunately we can’t see the performance here at home, the Jimmy Awards are tonight at 7:30pm ET at the Minskoff Theatre (where THE LION KING calls home). Chris and Katelyn will keep us updated about their day, and of course, we will let you know LIVE if anything big happens! We will be back tomorrow morning with our next blog to let you know what happens today. Please help us cheer them on as they compete tonight!

-DSM Amanda

Hi DSM Fans!

We are back for Day 4 of the 2015 National High School Musical Theatre Awards!

Yesterday, Katelyn and Chris sent us a quick video talking about their very challenging (but rewarding) day of rigorous rehearsal. Check it out!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wB9KMLC5rk]

Chris also gave us a quick summary of the day. Here it is:

Today was a very crazy, hectic day here in NYC at the Jimmy awards. The morning was spent running everyones contrasting song for Van Kaplan, the direcotr and producer of the Jimmys. I’m feeling confident in my song, and I know I will be proud of whatever happens tomorrow night when we perform our song for the distinguished judges; I’m very excited!

After lunch we began running our medlies, and running our medlies, and running our medlies, and running, and running…..over and over again. The rehearsal process is no joke, but it’s all so our performance on Monday night is perfect and almost second nature.

After dinner we finished blocking and cleaning up the opening number and running that a lot as well. We have been working on the opening since Wednesday, and it has evolved into something i cant wait to put infront of an audience, let alone a broadway audience!

Although we didn’t meet any celebrities or see any shows today, it was still an amazing experience. I’m constantly reminded throughout this process how much I love performing and performing with others. I’m so lucky to work with these talented performers, choreographers, directors, stage managers, and pianists every day on this journey. Every time i see a “National High School Musical Theatre Awards” sign I remember how cool it is to have accomplished this dream of mine. And just waking up every morning and seeing the empire state building outside my window speaks for itself!

Tomorrow is going to be another say of getting the show ready for the Minskoff Theater on Broadway!

Will keep you posted! Thanks for folloing our journey!

-Chris

Be sure to continue to cheer on our Best Actor and Actress Winners – the day they’ve been working and waiting for arrives tomorrow! Check back in the morning for their update on Day 5 in NYC for the 2015 National High School Musical Theatre Awards!

-DSM Amanda

Hi DSM Fans!

We are back for Day 3 of the 2015 National High School Musical Theatre Awards!

Before we give you the update on Day 3, our 2015 Best Actor Winner Chris Clark sent us his thoughts on his 2nd Day in NYC. Take a look:

6/25/15 12am

Tonight we saw An American in Paris on Broadway and it was phenomenal! All of the dancing and set and music and lightings were all so beautiful and was stunning to watch! We were lucky to get a talk back session with many members of the cast including by Tony nominees Leanne Cope, Max Von Essen, and Brandon Uranowitz! They were so much fun to talk to and learn about their experiences with the show and their journeys as performers. It was such a great opportunity to talk to about 15 people from a blockbuster Broadway show we had just seen.

Also today we had Composer, Frank Wildhorn, as our guest speaker. He has written some of my favorite shows like Bonnie and Clyde, Jekyll and Hyde, and the Civil War. It was incredible to talk to some one who is responsible for several of the songs I sing.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!

-Chris

Chris also filled us in on his experiences yesterday. Check it out:

Today was the longest, hardest, but one of the most rewarding days so far! They started staging the medley today, and that is super exciting! It’s starting to come together and looks incredible; my medley is a lot of ballads from shows like Miss Saigon, Les Mis, Tarzan, and Little Shop. All the guys are super talented, and it’s so humbling working with them.

It was out last coaching session with Michael McElroy today, and I really made a lot of progress on the story telling of my song. I finally feel ready to put it in front of judges on Sunday!

We got to meet the director/choreographer of An American in Paris, Christopher Wheeldon, and ask questions about his experience with the show. It’s so cool to meet all these Broadway professionals.

Another long, hard working, and fun day tomorrow here at the Jimmy Awards in New York City!

-Chris Clark

Be sure to continue to cheer on our Best Actor and Actress Winners as they are in their final day of rehearsals tomorrow (Sunday)! Check back in the morning for their update on Day 4 in NYC for the 2015 National High School Musical Theatre Awards!

-DSM Amanda

Hi DSM Fans!

We are back for round 2 of the 2015 National High School Musical Theatre Awards. This time Chris and Katelyn sent us some neat little videos they capture of their journey from day 2 in NYC. Take a look below.

https://youtu.be/zrXr9_kkKd4

[youtube=http://youtu.be/ptkchcmgD78]

[youtube=http://youtu.be/hHgnR9B24HU]

Here is a sneak peek of their adventures from day 3.

Getting an exclusive talkback with the cast and creative of An American In Paris!

Had to leave the building for a short alarm break.

At a meeting with our distinguished coaches during lunch. Telly Leung, Julia Murney, Adam Kantor, Eden Espinosa, and Michael McElroy.

With our AMAZING coach Michael McElroy!

Check back tomorrow for a recap of their third day as Chris and Katelyn take NYC!

-DSM Cisco

Hello DSM Fans!

It’s that time of year when after countless hours of searching for the best of the best we get to experience the National High School Musical Theatre Awards through the eyes of our very own 2015 DSM HSMTA Best Actor (Chris Clark) and Best Actress (Katelyn Cave) as they spend a whole week preparing to compete in the nationals. Check out what their experience has been like after arriving yesterday in the Big Apple.

Here’s what Chris and Katelyn had to say after their first full day in NYC:

Hello Dallas!

Though I miss you dearly, New York has been an experience of a life time! I’m writing you now as I’m on my way to see an American in Paris, my first Broadway show I’ll ever see. The rehearsals are intense but Chris and I are pushing forward and soaking up every bit of knowledge we can. So far we’ve already met a Broadway producer, the president of the Broadway League, the famous composer of Jekyll and Hyde, and there’s bound to be more that we haven’t even noticed in our rehearsals! It’s all been a dream come true and I’m so grateful for the experience thus far.

– Katelyn

Today was Day 2 in NYC! We learned the opening number vocals last night, and it’s going to sound amazing! There are so many Broadway shows represented in the music and it’s a blast to sing with the other nominees who are sooooo talented!

Today was Katelyn and I’s first coaching session with our coach, Michael McElroy. He is so amazing and is so much fun to work with! We are on our way to Sardi’s for dinner and then An American in Paris! This is such an amazing experience!

– Chris

2015 National High School Musical Theatre Awards Best Actor & Best Actress Nominees!

A photo from our first meeting last night! Lots of important people up here. We just met the president of the Broadway League.

About to watch An American In Paris at the Palace Theatre in NYC!

If you are as excited as we are to have these two wonderful up and coming actors representing us in the nationals, make sure to check back and follow our daily blog as Chris and Katelyn make their way to the 2015 NHSMTA competition.

– DSM Cisco

The final 3 Nominations for the 4th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards have been announced! Congratulations to each high school, students, and teachers for an outstanding year of musicals! See the list below. For the full list of nominations, check out our website at www.dsmhsmta.org!

Best Actress

• Colleyville Heritage High School- Monica Lockwood as Carmen in Curtains
• Guyer High School- Katelyn Cave as Leading Player in Pippin
• Independence High School- Sophia Kaiafas as Jane in Tarzan
• Mansfield High School- Shelby Priddy as Belle in Beauty & the Beast
• Marcus High School- Kara Lyons as Jo March in Little Women
• Pearce High School- Sydney Kane as Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
• Plano West High School- Meg Grinde as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar
• R L Turner High School- Chandler Bates as Anna in The King and I
• Southwest Christian School- Grace Tucker as Peter Pan

Best Actor

• Abilene High School- Ryan Garmoe as Bobby in Urinetown
• Carroll HS- Drew Brown as Tarzan in Tarzan
• Grapevine Faith Christian School-Quint Erwin as Caratacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
• McKinney Boyd High School- Logan Reid as Javert in Les Miserables
• Plano Senior High School- Tanner Dillon as Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly!
• Plano West High School- Chris Clark as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar
• Pearce High School- Sam Snyder as J Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
• Richardson High School- Griffin Camacho as Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof
• Rockwall High School- Drew Mitchell as Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd

Best Musical

• Colleyville Heritage High School, Curtains
• Mansfield High School, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
• Pearce High School, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
• Plano Senior High School, Hello Dolly!
• Plano West High School, Jesus Christ Superstar
• Richardson High School, Fiddler on the Roof
• Rowlett High School, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Southwest Christian School, Peter Pan

Who will win? We will find out at the 4th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Evening on Wednesday, April 29th at 7pm at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Want to catch all the action? Tickets are on sale now! Just click here or call 800.514.ETIX.

Congratulations to all of the nominees! For the full list of nominees, check out our website at www.dsmhsmta.org! We hope you will join us for an evening you will never forget!

-DSM Amanda

And the Nominees are in!

We’ve waited all year – amazing performances from amazing high schools were judged by industry professionals since last fall through a few weeks ago. Now, we can finally announce the nominees for the 4th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards! Well, all but the Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Musical Nominees…these will be announced tomorrow on WFAA-TV Midday News between Noon and 1pm. For the other 12 categories, see the full list below (in alpha order by high school)! Congratulations to each high school, students, and teachers for an outstanding year of musicals!

Direction

• Abilene High School, Urinetown
• Guyer High School, Pippin
• Mansfield High School, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
• North Lamar High School, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
• Pearce High School, Urinetown
• Plano West High School, Jesus Christ Superstar
• Richardson High School, Fiddler on the Roof
• Rowlett High School, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Southwest Christian High School, Peter Pan
• Wylie East High School, Seussical

Choreography

• Aledo High School, Footloose
• Denton High School, Mame
• Grapevine High School, Oliver
• Guyer High School, Pippin
• Mansfield High School, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
• Pearce High School, Urinetown
• Plano Senior High School, Hello Dolly
• Rowlett High School, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Southwest Christian High School, Peter Pan
• Wylie East High School, Seussical

Musical Direction

• Abilene High School, Urinetown
• Liberty Christian High School, Annie Get Your Gun
• Marcus High School, Little Women
• Richardson High School, Fiddler on the Roof
• Richland High School, Shrek
• Rockwall High School, Sweeney Todd
• Rowlett High School, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Wakeland High School, Cinderella
• Waxahachie High School, Guys and Dolls
• Wylie East High School, Seussical

Orchestra

• Berkner High School, Little Shop of Horrors
• Carroll High School, Tarzan
• Centennial High School, Seussical
• Crowley High School, Anything Goes
• Grapevine High School, Oliver
• Mansfield High School, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
• North Forney High School, Disney’s High School Musical
• Rowlett High School, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Rockwall High School, The Wizard of Oz
• Waxahachie High School, Guys & Dolls

Scene Design

• Carroll High School, Tarzan
• Greenhill School, High School, The Addams Family
• Liberty Christian High School, Annie Get Your Gun
• Mabank High School, Cinderella
• Plano West High School, Jesus Christ Superstar
• Rockwall High School, Sweeney Todd
• Rowlett High School, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Southwest Christian High School, Peter Pan
• Waco High School, Tarzan
• Wylie East High School, Seussical

Costume Design

• Abilene High School, Urinetown
• Bishop Lynch High School, The Wedding Singer
• Colleyville Heritage High School, Curtains
• Denton High School, Mame
• Grapevile Christian High School, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
• Grapevine High School, Oliver
• Guyer High School, Pippin
• Rockwall-Heath High School, The Music Man
• Southwest Christian High School, Peter Pan
• Waco High School, Tarzan

Lighting Design

• Mansfield High School, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
• Marcus High School, Little Women
• McKinney Boyd High School, Les Miserables
• Plano Senior High School, Hello Dolly
• Plano West High School, Jesus Christ Superstar
• Richardson High School, Fiddler on the Roof
• Rockwall High School, Sweeney Todd
• Rowlett High School, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Southwest Christian High School, Peter Pan
• Waco High School, Tarzan

Stage Crew & Technical

• Abilene High School, Urinetown
• Carroll High School, Tarzan
• Guyer High School, Pippin
• Lake Ridge High School, Shrek
• Marcus High School, Little Women
• McKinney High School, All Shook Up
• Plano Senior High School, Hello Dolly
• Plano West High School, Jesus Christ Superstar
• Southwest Christian High School, Peter Pan
• Wylie East High School, Seussical

Ensemble

• Abilene High School, Urinetown
• Aledo High School, Footloose
• Liberty Christian High School, Annie Get Your Gun
• Pearce High School, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
• Plano Senior High School, Hello Dolly
• Richardson High School, Fiddler on the Roof
• Richland High School, Shrek
• Rockwall-Heath High School, The Music Man
• Rowlett High School, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Southwest Christian High School, Peter Pan

Supporting Actor

• Colleyville Heritage High School, Morgan Young – Officer Lockstock, Urinetown
• Lake Ridge High School, Isaiah McInnis – Donkey, Shrek
• Mansfield High School, Zach Montou – Lumiere, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
• McKinney North High School, Joseph Campbell – Fester, The Addams Family
• North Forney High School, Allen Porterie – Chad Danforth, Disney’s High School Musical
• Pearce High School, Noah Heller – Officer Lockstock, Urinetown
• Pearce High School, Josh McCoy – Bud Frump, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
• Richardson High School, Nathan May – Motel, Fiddler on the Roof
• Weatherford High School, Cole Lucas – Farquaad, Shrek
• Wylie East High School, Clay Mobley – Horton the Elephant, Seussical

Supporting Actress

• Abilene High School, Louisa Lee – Little Sally, Urinetown
• All Saints Episcopal High School, Grace Evans – Melpomene, Zanadu
• Bishop Lynch High School, Payton Reeves – Holly, The Wedding Singer
• Colleyville Heritage High School, Audrey Jefferies – Georgia Hendricks, Curtains
• Mansfield High School, Anna Pritchett – Mrs. Potts, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
• Marcus High School, Haley Sutherland – Marmee March, Little Women
• McKinney Boyd High School, Sarah Hubner – Madame Thenardier, Les Miserables
• North Forney High School, Savanna Morgan – Taylor McKessie, Disney’s High School Musical
• Rowlett High School, Sarah Manns – Princess Puffer, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Wylie East High School, Libby Villagas – Mayzie LaBird, Seussical

Featured Performer

• Greenhill School High School, Ali Simenc – Grandma Addams, The Addams Family
• Heritage High School, Olivia Callan – Hunyak, Chicago
• Lake Ridge High School, Michael Flake – Lord Farquaad, Shrek
• Mansfield High School, Justin Alozie – Cogsworth, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
• McKinney High School, Yoki Ongwella – Sylvia, All Shook Up
• North Lamar High School, Jared Chenevey – Cogsworth, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
• Pearce High School, Jack Durham – Hot Blades Harry, Urinetown
• Poteet High School, Cameron Smith – Amos, Big Fish
• Richardson High School, Jacob Redmon – Perchek, Fiddler on the Roof
• Richland High School, C.J. Sutton – Donkey, Shrek

Who will win? We will find out at the 4th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Evening on Wednesday, April 29th at 7pm at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Want to catch all the action? Tickets are on sale now! Just click here or call 800.514.ETIX.

Congratulations to all of the nominees! To find out the nominees for the Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Musical, tune into WFAA-TV Midday News between 12p and 1p! Also, check back here after 1p or on our website at www.dsmhsmta.org! We hope you will join us for an evening you will never forget!

-DSM Amanda

Nancy Natinsky Chairs 4^th Annual
Dallas Summer Musicals
High School Musical Theatre Awards

Finalists announced Monday, March 30 | Awards Show Wednesday, April 29

(Dallas, TX – March 6, 2015) Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) announced long-time supporter and DSM Board Vice-President Community Relations Co-Chair Nancy Natinsky has been named the chairman of the 4^th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards.

Nancy worked with her husband Ron in starting and managing seven successful businesses over 37 years, resulting in participating in international business relationships in Asia, Europe, Mexico and Canada. During this time, she continued her education in the promotional products industry to achieve the highest designation of Master of Advertising Specialty.

She serves now and previously on various boards and as an officer of many clubs and organizations. She and Ron, a former Dallas City Councilman, have been married for 46 years. Since she retired 11 years ago, she enjoys her club work along with antiquing, traveling, helping with the garden railroad in their yard, reading, and volunteering.       “Nancy’s experience in the community as a dedicated leader and volunteer, along with her business acumen and insight, is the perfect combination for her role as an officer on DSM’s Executive Committee and as chair of the High School Musical Awards,” Jenkins said.

“I am honored to chair this program and be a part of its continued development and success,” Nancy replied. “The reach of this program across North Texas is growing and we look forward to even more schools participating next year.”

In its fourth year, DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA) has 65 schools participating- that is more than double the first year’s total of 30 schools participating, representing 33 school districts across North Texas. Among the 65 are also 7 private schools. In addition, six schools have entered two musicals this year for a total of 71 productions to be evaluated. This represents a new all-time high of schools, teachers and students taking part in the program. DSM HSMTA remains the largest program of its kind in the state and one of the largest programs in the country. DSM HSMTA has been recognized by the National High School Musical Theater Awards as their official affiliate program for North Texas.

Since DSM’s First Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards in 2012, this has truly developed into a regional program, accepting schools as far away as Denton and Allen to the north, Waco to the south, Abilene to the west and Paris, Texas to the east.

Slated for Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, the awards show is a red carpet affair and the public is invited to join in the excitement. Red carpet arrival begins at 5:30 p.m. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. with performances which include separate medleys of the Best Actor and Best Actress nominees, production numbers from Best Musical nominees and an opening number featuring all nominated performers accompanied by a live orchestra. The show is topped off with a finale of performers from each participating high school.

Based on Broadway’s Tony^® Awards, DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards are designed to recognize and reward excellence in the production of high school musical theatre. Several cash scholarships of at least $1,000 each are awarded. In 2014 DSM awarded $35,000 in scholarships, including several $5,000 scholarships, to outstanding students.

Jenkins said, “This program encourages participation in the musical arts throughout North Texas. It is important to encourage these talented students to follow their dreams and goals and to draw attention to the excellent work being done in education in musicals in our area schools. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved and a great show! We are grateful to founding sponsors Leah and Jerry Fullinwider for their support and vision, which literally brought this awards program to life.”

Jenkins praised the community’s support saying, “for our preeminent educational outreach program to have grown so significantly in such a short time is a tribute to DSM as a resource to our community and a wonderful testament to the tremendous contribution of the teachers, judges, committee members and volunteers. We encourage everyone to visit the schools and watch the shows first-hand.” A complete listing can be found on the website at DallasSummerMusicals.org/HSMAwards.shtm

A three judge panel of entertainment industry professionals and veteran educators will visit each school and judge the performers in 15 categories: Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Musical Direction, Best Choreography, Best Orchestra, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting, Best Ensemble, Best Crew, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Featured Performer.

Ballots will be submitted to the accounting firm of Grant-Thornton. Students from each participating school as well as finalists in categories of Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Musical will be invited to perform at the 4^th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Ceremony show at the Music Hall at Fair Park on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 when winners are announced. The public is invited to join in this exciting celebration.

Winners of the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress receive an all-expense paid trip for five days to New York City to represent their school in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy™ Awards) for the chance to win prizes and scholarships, which vary by year.

HSMTA media sponsors are The Dallas Morning News and WFAA Channel 8.

For a listing of participating schools and their shows, details or any questions, visit the website at http://DallasSummerMusicals.org/HSMAwards.shtm or contact Tracy Jordan, the program manager at 214-413-3951 or tjordan@dallassummermusicals.org .

Facebook page is constantly updated at https://www.facebook.com/DSMHSMTA

National program website: http://www.nhsmta.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

Get updates and news through our social media web sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasSummerMusicals
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dsmusicals
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dsmusicals
Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/v/dallas-summer-musicals/4f204f6b0cd6445b05407d98  Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dsmusicals
WordPress: http://dallassummermusicals.wordpress.com

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education, and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a nonprofit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and create important community programs. DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, The Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards and celebrates the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Texas Instruments and gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors and partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at www.DallasSummerMusicals.org.

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Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards Breaks All Records
Sixty-five schools are participating – more than double our first year’s total

(Dallas, TX – November 3, 2014) Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) is thrilled to announce record breaking news!

In its fourth year of the program, DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA) has 65 schools participating- that is more than double the first year’s total of 30 schools participating, representing 33 school districts across north Texas. Among the 65 are also 7 private schools. In addition, six schools have entered two musicals this year for a total of 71 productions to be evaluated. This represents a new all-time high of schools, teachers and students taking part in the program. DSM HSMTA remains the largest program of its kind in the state and one of the largest programs in the country. DSM HSMTA has been recognized by the National High School Musical Theater Awards as their official affiliate program for North Texas.

Since DSM’s First Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards in 2012, this has truly developed into a regional program, accepting schools as far away as Denton and Allen to the north, Waco to the south, Abilene to the west and Paris, Texas to the east.

Slated for Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, the awards show is a red carpet affair and the public is invited to join in the excitement. Red carpet arrival begins at 5:30 p.m. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. with performances which include separate medleys of the Best Actor and Best Actress nominees, production numbers from Best Musical nominees and an opening number featuring all nominated performers accompanied by a live orchestra. The show is topped off with a finale of performers from each participating high school.

Based on Broadway’s Tony^® Awards, the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards are designed to recognize and reward excellence in the production of high school musical theatre. Several cash scholarships of at least $1,000 each are awarded. In 2014 DSM awarded $35,000 in scholarships, including several $5,000 scholarships, to outstanding students.

Michael said, “This program encourages participation in the musical arts throughout North Texas. It is important to encourage these talented students to follow their dreams and goals and to draw attention to the excellent work being done in education in musical theater in our area schools. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved and a great show! We are grateful to founding sponsors Leah and Jerry Fullinwider for their support and vision, which literally brought this awards program to life.”

Jenkins praised the community’s support saying, “For our pre-eminent educational outreach program to have grown so significantly in such a short time is a tribute to DSM as a resource to our community and a wonderful testament to the tremendous contribution of the teachers, judges, committee members and volunteers. We encourage everyone to visit the schools and watch the shows first-hand.” A complete listing can be found on the website at dallassummermusicals.org/HSMAwards.shtm

A three judge panel of entertainment industry professionals and veteran educators will visit each school and judge the performers in 15 categories: Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Musical Direction, Best Choreography, Best Orchestra, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting, Best Ensemble, Best Crew, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Featured Performer.

Ballots will be submitted to the accounting firm of Grant-Thornton. Students from each participating school as well as finalists in categories of Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Musical will be invited to perform at the 4^th Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Ceremony show at the Music Hall at Fair Park on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 when winners are announced. The public is invited to join in this exciting celebration.

Winners of the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress receive an all-expense paid trip for five days to New York City to represent their school in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy™ Awards) for the chance to win prizes and scholarships, which vary by year.

HSMTA media sponsors are The Dallas Morning News and WFAA Channel 8. Dallas Summer Musicals season sponsors are American Airlines, WFAA Channel 8, The Dallas Morning News and Texas Instruments.

For a listing of participating schools and their shows, details or any questions, visit the website at http://dallassummermusicals.org/HSMAwards.shtm or contact Tracy Jordan, the program manager at 214-413-3951 or tjordan@dallassummermusicals.org .

Facebook page is constantly updated at https://www.facebook.com/DSMHSMTA

National program website here: http://www.nhsmta.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

About Dallas Summer Musicals: As a nonprofit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theater, educate young audiences and create important community programs. DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, the Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theater arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, call 214-421-5678 or visit the website at www.dallassummermusicals.org

Get updates and news through our social media web sites here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasSummerMusicals
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dsmusicals
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dsmusicals
Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/v/dallas-summer-musicals/4f204f6b0cd6445b05407d98  Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dsmusicals
WordPress: http://dallassummermusicals.wordpress.com

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Hey DSM Fans,

Well, this week is a BIG week for DSM and Broadway! We have 2 major events, 7 performances by our DSM Academy, and the Tony Award Nominees were announced today!

DSM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS – #dsmhsmta14
Our first major event is the 3rd Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Show tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30th at the Music Hall at Fair Park! What is the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards? Patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards, show business veterans and community celebrities come together to spotlight the achievements of high school students and their school’s musical theatre programs. Fifty-eight shows from Fifty-six high schools are participating. Throughout the year, three judges visit each school and judge the performers in 15 categories. Each school’s performance is evaluated by a panel of judges and ballots are tabulated. The top scoring schools in each category are nominated as finalists. Click here to check out the nominees!

Tonight is a special night as well – all the judges gather to choose the Best Actor and Best Actress from the nominated students based on their performances this evening. All of the previous scores gathered in the original judging have been eliminated. The winners will be announced at the Awards Show tomorrow evening.

**Tune in to the DSM Twitter and DSM Instagram (@dsmusicals) tonight before, during, and after the Best Actor/Actress judging and tomorrow ALL DAY as we give you inside access and live updates for this annual event!**

Want to come to the Awards Show? Click here for tickets! Can’t make it? Just follow us on Twitter and Instagram – we’ll be live tweeting and posting to give you live updates!

DSM CURTAIN CALL 2014: BROADWAY BOUND
Our second major event is our annual fundraising gala Curtain Call on Friday, May 2nd at the Music Hall at Fair Park! Curtain Call is an evening of entertainment preceded by a seated dinner and a live and silent auction. This year’s featured performer is Broadway Veteran Vivian Reed. Proceeds from Curtain Call support Dallas Summer Musicals’ mission to bring the best of Broadway to Dallas and provide for children’s education and outreach programs, such as the DSM Academy (below) and DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards (above). Click here to learn more and get tickets!

DSM ACADEMY PERFORMS DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR.! – #littlemermaiddsma
This weekend, the DSM Academy presents Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. Three of our classes will present this musical at the Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie. Dates and times vary – please see below for this info! The DSM Academy strives not only to increase appreciation of the performing arts, but to teach these arts professionally to students from ages 6 to adults. Admission to Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. is FREE and seating is first come, first served. We hope to see you there to see our very talented students!

SATURDAY, MAY 3rd
Improv 102: The BIG Mermaid – Park Cities Teen Class – 1:30pm
Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. – Park Cities Teen Class – 4:30pm & 6:30pm

SUNDAY, MAY 4th
Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR.
Town North Youth Class – 11:00am & 2:00pm
Park Cities Youth Class – 12:30pm & 3:30pm

All performances are at the Uptown Theater, 120 E Main St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

TONY® AWARD NOMINATIONS
Nominations for the 2014 American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, were announced this morning! Click here to see who and what shows were nominated. I can’t believe it’s Tony Season Y’all! 🙂

We’ve been busy prepping for all of these events, and I’ve gotta hop back to it as well. I hope to see you all very soon at any of these awesome events! Oh, and get excited – It’s Broadway’s biggest night in less than 2 months!

-DSM Amanda

Curtain Call 2014 Broadway Bound! Features Broadway Star Vivian Reed
benefiting Dallas Summer Musicals and their Education and Outreach Programs

DSM Special Events and Announcements Media Contact:
Sharon Adams
Adams Communications Public Relations
972-773-9289972-773-9289
Adamscomm1@aol.com

DSM Contact: Kate Finley
Director of Development
214-413-3961214-413-3961
kfinley@dallassummermusicals.org

                (February 18, 2014 – Dallas, TX)  Slated for Friday, May 2^nd, Curtain Call Broadway Bound! will take place at the Music Hall at Fair Park, chaired by Holly and Brad Reeves with honorary chairs Paddy and Barry Epstein. As DSM’s premier fundraiser of the year, Curtain Call is an exciting evening of gourmet delights, inspiration and entertainment!
The evening begins as patrons and sponsors enter the Music Hall strolling along the red carpet and are greeted with fanciful and over-the-top decorations corresponding with the event’s theme. Guests enjoy the VIP cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a gourmet seated dinner prepared by M Dining at the Music Hall.

Following dinner, everyone enters the theatre for a live auction and private concert featuring award winning Broadway performer Vivian Reed and performances from the 3rd Annual High School Musical Theatre Award winners Best Actor and Best Actress before they begin their journey to New York and the national competition, the Jimmy Nederlander Awards. The show also features the Best Musical Award winners, all in musical vignettes arranged by Michael Moricz and choreographed by Michael Tapley, two of Broadway’s best! Join us for a spectacular performance by the future stars of Broadway!

Proceeds support Dallas Summer Musicals’ mission to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas and provide for children’s education and outreach programs.  Sponsors’ support will bring the magic of musical theater to so many children who otherwise would never experience it — magic created through programs such as DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards, Seats for Kids, DSM Academy of Performing Arts, Kid’s Club and Stage Right.
Dallas Summer Musicals season sponsors are American Airlines, Dallas Morning News, WFAA Channel 8 and Texas Instruments.  DSM Season partners are The Original Cupcakery and The Frontiers of Flight Museum.

Curtain Call sponsors are Modern Luxury Dallas, Park Cities News/The Waters Family; Kick-Off party sponsor, SĒR Steak + Spirits; Invitations sponsor, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians.
Sponsorships and underwriting available starting at $2,500. Individual gala event tickets are $350 each and include all event benefits: Cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and concert.  An Entertainment ticket is available for $50 for the concert only, including balcony seating and two drink tickets. All Curtain Call underwriting opportunities and benefits are available through the web site at: http://www.curtaincallgala.org

For additional information, contact the Development Office at DSM, 214-413-3957214-413-3957 and email at curtaincall@dallassummermusicals.org

#

About Dallas Summer Musicals

Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas.  DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region. Visit the website at www.dallassummermusicals.org

• DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards: Patterned after Broadway’s Tony Awards^®, the event celebrates the power of the Arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Show business veterans and community celebrities come together to spotlight the achievements of high school students and their school’s musical theatre programs. DSM awards scholarships to a number of outstanding and deserving participants. Students are nominated by their teachers and judged by a separate scholarship committee.

• DSM Academy of Performing Arts: The first component of Dallas Summer Musicals’ outreach initiatives, DSM Academy of Performing Arts, extends the legacy of former DSM Managing Director Tom Hughes’ vision, to create the broadest possible avenue for dramatic expression within our community.  In 1999, the DSM Academy of Performing Arts was established to provide training for students ages 7 – adult, as well as continuing education for adults in theater arts.  Professional instruction helps students integrate the disciplines of singing, dancing, and acting into the unique genre of musical theater.  To ensure access and availability, the school offers limited scholarships to promising students with limited financial resources. Instruction includes classes, workshops and performance. When possible, workshops are provided by cast members of productions playing at Dallas Summer Musicals.

• Seats for Kids: Created in 2003 to provide a meaningful theater arts experience to low-income, at-risk and special needs children, Seats for Kids serves approximately 2,000 children each year.  Nonprofit youth agencies and Title 1 schools are eligible to participate in the program. DSM provides children, their teachers and chaperones with free tickets as well as a professionally drafted study guide to support attending the performance.

• Kids Club: This free membership program for kids was created to develop tomorrow’s musical theater audience.  Through exciting activities, special events, backstage tours and informational     exchanges about shows included in the Kids Club membership, children gain an interest, knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts.

• Stage Right: In 2005, the Stage Right program to introduce at-risk youth ages 12-15 to arts and cultural events, was created in partnership with the Dallas Police Department.   Together, DSM and DPD are “Raising the curtain for education and spotlighting the appreciation of the arts through experience and positive quality lifestyles.” The students entering the program are recommended by Dallas area teachers and counselors and other youth programs including Boys & Girls Clubs, Girls Inc. and Dallas Recreation Centers as part of their ongoing efforts to keep students from joining gangs, getting involved in drugs and crime, or engaging in other activities that prevent their enjoying success in school.  Stage Right, with educational support from the Phoenix House, seeks to raise awareness of the arts, increase appreciation for different lifestyles and also increase self-esteem.

The public can play a part in bringing the Best of Broadway
to the young people in our community!

Charitable contributions are vital to the sustainability of these initiatives at Dallas Summer Musicals.  Please assist DSM in its mission to build awareness for the enjoyment and educational values of musical theater as it does so through its ongoing outreach programs.

For more information including sponsorships, booking or program details, please contact the DSM Development Department at 214.413.3957214.413.3957 or development@dallassummermuscals.org

Join us for DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards’ Season 3 Kick-Off Event Tomorrow, August 25th at 3pm at the Studio Movie Grill on Royal Lane in Dallas!

Just click on the picture above to get your tickets now!

EVERY LITTLE STEP explores the incredible journey of A CHORUS LINE from ambitious idea to international phenomenon. It compares and contrasts the original musical with the 2006 revival. It goes behind the scenes with exclusive interviews and footage of the revival’s audition process, revealing the dramatic journey of the performers, and unfolding a story of life imitating art.

Students, teachers, DSM, family, friends and anyone who loves musical theater are invited! Admission is just $1! For tickets, go to: https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/Buy1.aspx?ID=2927&o=b.

SMG also has a great new menu and specials- check it out: http://www.studiomoviegrill.com/Menu.aspx?m=1&s=93

RSVP today – we’ll see you tomorrow!!

Good mid-morning DSM Fans!

I can’t believe how quickly time has flown – Dakota and Cameron are already home from NYC! Yesterday was their last day at the National HSMTA, and it was a nice change from the craziness that had happened all week. Check out their final thoughts about their trip below!

DAKOTA:

The last day was bittersweet. We got to sleep in a little bit then headed over to Tisch for the last time. We were fortunate enough to have a casting agent talk to us about the business and answer any questions we may have. One of the best parts about this experience was hearing the different perspectives of every side of the professional theatre world. After she finished Ken Gash from NYU gave us a really inspiring talk about theatre. One of the things that really stuck with me was when he said “Theatre is the language of the soul.” He just kind of reminded us that even though this week was hard and frustrating, it was all worth it in the end (we performed on BROADWAY). And it’s true, I feel stronger. I feel like I have a new found confidence I didn’t previously have, and hopefully when I go to school this fall with a major in musical theatre performance everything I have learned  during this experience will help me be the actress and person I have always wanted to be. They told us on the first day that we would come home feeling different and I definitely do. I feel even more passionate and driven then before, and it’s very exciting.

CAMERON:

Alas, the adventure has ended. After the best night’s sleep I’ve had all week (probably due to a mix of relief and exhaustion), we headed to Tisch to have a discussion with a casting director from Bernie Telsey’s office–the biggest casting office in New York, I’ve been told. She told us about how a casting director’s mind works in an audition: they ultimately don’t care about where you were educated if you’re absolutely right for the role, the first moment they see you, they’re placing you in all different roles in their head based on your appearance, and they usually know if you’re right for a role vocally after the first 6 bars or so. She also added that although a person auditioning may not be right for the part in that specific show, casting directors are usually working on a number of projects, so in their minds they’re trying to see if you match any other parts they need to cast. After that, Ken Gash, head of the New Studio on Broadway, gave us an inspiring and educational speech about what we accomplished this week. Something he said that I really liked went along the lines of: “Theatre isn’t about headlining or being a star. It’s about seeing words or notes on a page and putting your humanity in it to reach out to the humanity in others.” That’s only a snippet of Gash’s speech. Almost every sentence was an inspiring piece of brilliance. Finally, it was time to say goodbye to all of the friends I had made this week… Some truly remarkable people. Performing alongside such fantastic young actors and actresses was an extremely humbling experience, and I know I’ll be hearing great things about plenty of them in the future. This trip was enormously educational, inspiring, humbling, unforgettable, and above all: FUN. I’ll miss the big talent and the big city, but it feels pretty sweet to be back home.

Arriving in Dallas! What a trip!

Thank you Cameron and Dakota for providing us with all the inside scoop from the National HSMTA this week! We’re so proud of you both and look forward to seeing your careers in the future! Thank you for representing DSM so well, and we wish you the best of luck at college in the fall!

Also, thank you to you all for following this blog during their journey! I hope you have enjoyed hearing from Cameron and Dakota as much as I did.

Have a great day!

-DSM Amanda

Good morning DSM Fans!

Yesterday was the day Cameron and Dakota had been waiting for since they won Best Actor and Actress just a couple of months ago – the National High School Musical Theatre Awards show! Day 6 for them was an “emotional rollercoaster” day, but the best one they’ve had the entire week. Check out what they had to say below!

DAKOTA:

Hello again! I don’t even know where to begin. We arrived at the Minskoff and were held in the lobby before we could move into the dressing rooms. We had a fantastic view of Times Square from where we were. The first time we stepped on to the stage was incredible, and something I’ll always remember. I couldn’t believe that I was there in that moment, staring out at the house of a Broadway stage.

Though empty in this pic, the house at the Minskoff was completely full last night!

After we had a few minutes to look around we started right into rehearsals. It went by very fast, and before I knew it we were being mic’ed for the show.

All mic’d up and ready to go!

I found out one of the guys who was running mics was the sound mixer from the original production of Little Shop of Horrors, so I had the chance to ask him a lot of questions about what the show had been like. We were sent back to the dressing rooms and were called back up a few minutes before the opening. I was so excited I kind of forgot to be nervous. In the beginning of the opening number, there is a blackout and we all run out to a big group in the middle. We ran out into our group, and bent down to our starting positions; during rehearsals I had always been focused and serious at this point, but the audience started going crazy and I couldn’t help but have this huge smile. That moment, along with stepping on to the stage for the first time, were completely indescribable. I remember thinking while we performed “Yup, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Dakota and Cameron are dressed to impress for the opening number!

While neither Cam or myself walked away with any award, the ones who received them were some of the most talented and deserving people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. Congrats to Sarah, Taylor, Mackenzie, Jillian, Brian, Billy! The party afterwards was at Joe’s Pizzaria, which was a lot of fun but we were all pretty exhausted so we didn’t stay for very long. I feel so lucky and happy to have had this once in a life time experience. It was one of the few times in life where your expectations are so high that you think it couldn’t get any better, but the actual experience was everything I thought it would be and more. Thank you to DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards and the National High School Musical Theatre Awards for this opportunity, and to all of my family and friends who have supported me throughout this crazy adventure!

CAMERON (as written at 12:30am early this morning):

The experience of a lifetime is nearing its end. Today, we woke up and headed to the Minskoff to run through the show a couple times before the big performance.

Arriving at the Minskoff!

We also got to change/hang out in the dressing room the the Lion King cast uses, so that was really neat. They have an assortment of dumbbells and workout material in there… I guess to get a pump on before going onstage.

The Lion King cast’s dressing room at the Minskoff!

The really awesome thing was getting to see all of the props backstage–that made the fact that we were really on Broadway settle in a bit more. The show was insane. The moment we hit our opening positions with our heads down, John and I started beating the floor from sheer excitement. Unfortunately, I did not make it into the top 3 performers so the only solo I sang on Broadway tonight was from my medley. But hey, I can’t complain–I was a Broadway actor tonight, and no one can take that away from me! I will admit, it’s a bit of a bummer, of course, that I didn’t place, but at least I have 58 other people to be disappointed with me! 😉

The award given to all nominees for basically making it through the week!

Any single one of the nominees could’ve won tonight and I wouldn’t have been surprised, but tonight’s best actor winner was Taylor from Connecticut who busted out some insane skills when he sang “Santa Fe.” I bet the Newsies in the audience were proud!

Award-winner, Taylor Varga

Also, congrats to Sarah Lynn Marion on winning best female performer! I had the pleasure of being in her vocal group and seeing her grow tremendously throughout the week. She’s an amazing person, and I’m honored to call her a friend! We ended with a perfect finale, and taking my bow on the Minskoff stage will forever be engraved in my memories. Hopefully it wasn’t the last time I’ll take a bow on Broadway! Now I’m on the bus back to Tisch from the after party at John’s Pizzeria. This has been such an incredible adventure, but I do miss home. I’ll see you tomorrow Dallas! Thank you, DSM and NHSMTA, for the unbelievable opportunity!

We are all so unbelievably proud of Cameron and Dakota! They worked their tails off this past week and were a part of something in which only 60 students from across the nation participated! I know it is an experience neither one of them will forget – what a way to finish your high school career!

Today, Dakota and Cameron have their final day in NYC. While it’s only a half day, they do get to meet with a casting director! After lunch, they are set to head back to Dallas, so their last post will be tomorrow. I’m so impressed with these 2 – I can’t wait to see where their career takes them.

Thanks for following our blog during their journey! Have a great Tuesday!

-DSM Amanda

Good morning DSM Fans!

Yesterday was Day 5 for Cameron and Dakota at the National HSMTA. I know I speak for them when I say it was their most challenging and rewarding day so far! Check out what they had to say about their day below!

DAKOTA:

Today we finally finished the opening and closing number. After that we performed our different medleys for the director and the other nominees, which was a blast. We spent the majority of our time today cleaning everything, and I’m so excited for the show tomorrow. We ate lunch then dressed in our character costumes for the medleys (I had missed being my Audrey more than I realized). Performing for the judges was more fun than anything else, and after that we changed again into our black dresses for our solos. I was a little nervous for the solos, but I tried not to be and just have a great time singing. We gathered at the end of the day in a big group around our choreographer, and as she started talking about everything that would be happening tomorrow I just couldn’t believe that I actually will be performing on a Broadway stage. This whole experience has been so rewarding, and I hope it shows tomorrow in our show. Wish us broken legs!

(Note from DSM Amanda – WE WISH YOU MANY BROKEN LEGS!!!!)

CAMERON:

I’m on a serious high right now because today was so epic. We started off the day by perfecting the opening number and proceeded to finish choreographing the finale–and might I say, both numbers are phenomenal. Next we finalized our medley numbers and performed them for the judges (just for fun; they don’t get scored until tomorrow).

From Cameron: My fellow medley members (excluding Rynne who was in the bathroom) in costume!

After that it was time to perform our solo pieces for the judges… Probably the most nerve-racking experience I’ve had in a while. And it didn’t help that I chugged a bottle of water before the solos started and couldn’t leave the room the entire time (not an ideal situation for a nervous actor with a small bladder). However, I pulled myself together and did nearly the best performance of my solo that I could’ve done.

Tracy and I after the solo performances (he cried because he was so proud!!)

That being said, I think everyone did their best performance tonight, based on what I’ve seen throughout the week. I can’t get over how insanely talented these fellow nominees are. So now the grueling part is over, and I can relax and enjoy my first time performing on a Broadway stage! I get to sleep in a bit tomorrow, but it’ll still be one of the most taxing days we’ve had so far. In the end, I know all the hard work will be worth it. Even if I don’t “place” in the top 3 male performers, I’ve had the experience of a lifetime, and nothing can take that away from me. I’m beyond anxious to see what happens tomorrow night!

Today is the day! The National High School Musical Theatre Awards are tonight! All the rehearsing, the sweat and tears, it all is in preparation for tonight! We know that Cameron, Dakota, and all of the other nominees from around the country are anxious and excited for tonight. We wish everyone (especially Cameron and Dakota) the VERY best of luck and can’t wait to hear about their day today!

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I hope you have a Marvelous Monday!

-DSM Amanda