15th Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards- ILLINOIS

The 24 high school student nominees were selected from ­­348 student applicants from 95 participating schools across the state of Illinois, a record-breaking number of applicants for the program. The nominees have been invited to participate in the Awards Program, which will be held at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM, hosted by Program Sponsor NBC 5’s Matt Rodrigues.

During the ceremony, the nominees will perform a musical number from Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES. The North American Tour of the world’s most popular musical will make its final return to Chicago for a limited two-week engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) starting May 12 through May 24. Broadway In Chicago has crafted a workshop and rehearsal led by LES MISÉRABLES company member Lamont J. Whitaker.  The nominees will learn the musical number and are given the experience of working with a theatre professional on a Broadway In Chicago stage. The workshop for these 24 nominees will culminate in a performance onstage at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. During the day, nominees will perform for a panel of industry professionals who will adjudicate and select the top six finalists and eventual Best Performer in an Actor Role and Best Performer in an Actress Role.

NOMINEES FOR BEST PERFORMER IN AN ACTRESS ROLE

• Charlotte Dean as Delilah McPhee in Joliet West High School’s Between the Lines
• Makayla Eiseman as Hope Cladwell in Cary-Grove High School’s Urinetown
• Camila Flores as Janis Sarkisian in Hinsdale South High School’s Mean Girls: High School Version
• Lainey Jennings as Anya in Harrisburg High School’s Anastasia
• Molly Jones as Madame Thénardier in Harry D. Jacobs High School’s Les Misérables: School Edition
• Tireoluwani Lawal as Brenda Strong in University High School’s Catch Me If You Can
• Jane Nuich as Eurydice in Maine South High School’s Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Eleanor O’Shea as Ariel in Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid
• Madeline Ranieri as Elle Woods in William Fremd High School’s Legally Blonde
• Olivia Sage as Elsa in Coal City High School’s Frozen
• Corinne Stewart as Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch in Dundee-Crown High School’s Anastasia
• Melanie Vargas as Katherine Blake in Minooka Community High School’s Freaky Friday

NOMINEES FOR BEST PERFORMER IN AN ACTOR ROLE

• Logan Arroyo as Will Bloom in Lincoln-Way East High School’s Big Fish: School Edition
• Luke Brock as Jean Valjean in Wheaton Academy’s Les Misérables
• Adam DeVerville as Gomez Addams in Hoffman Estates High School’s The Addams Family: School Edition
• Jonah Groff as Joseph in Mother McAuley High School’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Joe Kaiser as Edward Bloom in Saint Viator High School’s Big Fish
• Sebastián Llavona as Dmitry in Dundee-Crown High School’s Anastasia
• Nolan Maddox as Roger Davis in Oak Park & River Forest High School’s RENT: School Edition
• Marcus McGhee as Sebastian in Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid
• Micah Merrill as Tom Collins in Oak Park & River Forest High School’s RENT: School Edition
• Brennan Monaghan as Billy Flynn in Lake Zurich High School’s Chicago: Teen Edition
• John Musso as Javert in Wheaton Academy’s Les Misérables
• James Sobota as Billy Flynn in The Chicago Academy for the Arts’ Chicago: Teen Edition

The 2026 Broadway In Chicago Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards E-Press Kit is available HERE. Individual Headshots are available upon request.

From the 24 nominees, two Illinois award recipients (one Best Performer in an Actor Role, one Best Performer in an Actress Role) will go on an all-expense-paid trip to New York City to represent the State of Illinois at The Jimmy Awards® and participate in a 10-day theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on a Broadway stage, where a panel of judges crowns the nation’s top performers. The Jimmy Awards® are named for legendary Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander. Broadway In Chicago is a Nederlander presentation and is excited to be a part of the network of theatres across the country participating in The Jimmy Awards®.

This year, for the first time in the program’s history, IHSMTA has added an additional award to honor those students behind the scenes: the Backstage Champion Award. The Backstage Champion Award evaluates the skillsets of students in technical, design, and production roles whose dedication, creativity, and leadership behind the scenes helped to bring their high school’s production to life. Additionally, IHSMTA is delighted to announce that the Backstage Champion Award will be presented by new sponsor, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom.

NOMINEES FOR BACKSTAGE CHAMPION AWARD presented by Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom

• Navion Curry, Stage Management for Belvidere North High School’s Frozen
• Brynn Engle, Stage Management for Crystal Lake South High School’s Spamalot
• Angela Jaeger, Student Business Director for Glenbard West High School’s Between The Lines
• Ash (Harry) Komorowski, Lighting Design for Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid
• Audrey Hart, Props Design for Mother McAuley High School’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

IHSMTA is also thrilled to announce nominees in three Production Award categories: Best Ensemble, Best Direction, and Best Production.

• Best Ensemble evaluates how the ensemble both on and off stage is utilized appropriately throughout the entire show, as well as their overall proficiency in the areas of singing, acting, dancing, and technical theatre efforts off stage.
• Best Direction evaluates how the director has used all the elements at their disposal to create the strongest production they can with their available resources.
• Best Production evaluates the overall excellence of the production and considers all the above elements. Best Production is awarded to a school who produces an outstanding example of a high school musical.

NOMINEES FOR BEST ENSEMBLE

• Adlai E. Stevenson High School’s Mary Poppins
• Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School’s Jesus Christ Superstar
• Dunlap High School’s Guys & Dolls
• St. Charles East High School’s Newsies
• Vernon Hills High School’s Seussical

NOMINEES FOR BEST DIRECTION

• David Morgan, Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School’s Jesus Christ Superstar
• Rob Boncosky, Cary-Grove High School’s Urinetown
• Ben Stoner, Crystal Lake South High School’s Spamalot
• Britnee Kenyon, Deerfield High School’s Pippin
• Michelle Bayer, Oak Park & River Forest High School’s RENT: School Edition

NOMINEES FOR BEST PRODUCTION

• Cary-Grove High School’s Urinetown
• Coal City High School’s Frozen
• Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid
• Lincoln-Way East High School’s Big Fish: School Edition
• William Fremd High School’s Legally Blonde

In addition to these nominees, IHSMTA has selected two Student Reporters to cover the 2026 IHSMTA awards ceremony through social media. This year’s recipients are Ivan Diaz from Plainfield East High School and Sophia Lin from Harrisburg High School. Diaz and Lin have also been submitted for the Jimmy Awards® Student Reporter search. The Student Reporter opportunity has been added to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® as an effort to include students who are not eligible to be nominated as performers. This provides a chance to expand connections into local schools’ journalism, film, and other related departments. Jimmy Awards® Student Reporters work directly with the Broadway League’s digital team which allows them to receive an insider look at the digital marketing strategy of Jimmy Awards coverage while gaining insight into the field as a whole.  The Jimmy Awards® Student Reporters will be notified and selected by the Jimmy Awards® on or around May 11.

The Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards have proven to be a steppingstone for young performers, with several appearing in Broadway & National Touring productions:

• Nathan Salstone (2012 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his professional Broadway debut in HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD, appeared in the National Tour of HADESTOWN, and was most recently seen in the 2023 revival of SWEENEY TODD on Broadway.
• Kyrie Courter (2012 IHSMTA Nominee) made her Broadway debut in the 2023 revival of SWEENEY TODD.
• Christopher Kelly (2012 & 2013 IHSMTA Nominee) made his Broadway debut in February 2026, joining the Broadway cast of CHICAGO.
• John Clay III (2013 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his professional Broadway debut in CHOIR BOY and originated the role of Jesse Webb in the original Broadway cast of NEW YORK, NEW YORK in 2023. He can currently be seen as Booker T. Washington in the Broadway revival of RAGTIME.
• Reagan Pender (2013 IHSMTA Nominee) made his Broadway debut in the 2024 revival cast of THE WHO’S TOMMY.
• Kaitlin Feely (2014 IHSMTA Nominee & 2016 IHSMTA Finalist) appeared in Broadway In Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre’s Chicago Premiere of TITANIQUE as understudy for Céline Dion, Molly Brown, Rose, and Background Vocalist in 2025. In 2026, she joined the national tour of BEETLEJUICE as Barbara Maitland where she is currently touring.
• Jack Cahill-Lemme (2016 IHSMTA Best Actor) launched the first North American tour of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL, which premiered in Chicago in 2022. He made his professional Broadway debut, joining the cast of the Broadway production in Summer 2023, where he is still performing.
• Cecilia Trippiedi (2016 IHSMTA Best Actress) appeared in the national tour of HADESTOWN in 2022 & 2023.
• Clare Kennedy McLaughlin (2016 IHSMTA Nominee) starred in Broadway In Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre’s Chicago Premiere of TITANIQUE as Céline Dion in 2025.
• Haley Gustafson (2016 & 2017 IHSMTA Nominee) made their Broadway debut in the 2024 revival cast of THE WHO’S TOMMY.
• Zachary Keller (2016 IHSMTA nominee) launched the first North American tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS as Jacob Jankowski in 2026, where he is currently touring.
• Wren Rivera (2017 IHSMTA Nominee) made their Broadway debut in JAGGED LITTLE PILL in 2021.
• Joy Woods (2018 IHSMTA Finalist) made her Broadway debut in March 2022, joining the Broadway cast of SIX. She originated the role of Middle Allie in the original Broadway cast of THE NOTEBOOK: THE MUSICAL in 2024, and appeared as Louise in the 2025 Broadway revival of GYPSY, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award® for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical.
• Andrew Tufano (2018 IHSMTA Nominee) made his Broadway debut in the 2024 revival cast of THE WHO’S TOMMY.
• Justin O’Brien (2018 IHSMTA Nominee) appeared in the National Tour of MEAN GIRLS in 2023. He made his Broadway debut in October 2025, joining the cast of DEATH BECOMES HER where he is currently performing.
• Mike Bindeman (2019 IHSMTA Nominee) launched the First National Tour of THE CHER SHOW as Gregg Allman/John Southall. In December 2023. He joined the first National Tour of BACK TO THE FUTURE as George McFly in December 2024, where he is currently touring.
• Sierra Fermin (2019 IHSMTA Finalist) made her Broadway debut in December 2023, joining the Broadway cast of SIX where she performed until spring of 2026.
• Jacob Simon (2019 IHSMTA Best Actor) joined the National Tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in 2022.
• Jason Schmidt (2019 IHSMTA Finalist) made his Broadway debut in April 2024, originating the role of Sodapop Curtis in the original Broadway cast THE OUTSIDERS.
• Josh Fermin (2022 IHSMTA Best Performer in An Actor Role Runner-Up) joined the first National Tour of & JULIET in 2025, where he is currently touring.

Illinois winners and students have also been successful at The Jimmy Awards®:

• Jonah Rawitz (2014 IHSMTA Best Actor) was awarded the 2014 Jimmy Award® for Best Performance by an Actor.
• Cecilia Trippiedi (2016 IHSMTA Best Actress) was awarded the 2016 Jimmy Award® for Best Dancer.
• Nate Garner (2017 IHSMTA Student Reporter) was selected in 2017 as one of the first ever Jimmy Awards® Student Reporters.
• Darian Goulding (2018 IHSMTA Best Actor) was a 2018 Jimmy Award® finalist.
• Jacob Simon (2019 IHSMTA Best Actor) was the recipient of the 2019 Rising Star Award from The Jimmy Awards®.
• Nicole Scimeca (2024 IHSMTA Student Reporter) was selected as one of The 2024 Jimmy Awards® Student Reporters.
• Jamaur Houston (2025 IHSMTA Best Performer in an Actor Role) was awarded the 2025 Jimmy Award® for Best Dancer.

The participating high schools involved in the program are given opportunities to see Broadway In Chicago shows and receive invitations to special events throughout the year. In years past, students have performed with the casts of DEAR EVAN HANSEN, HAMILTON, DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, HADESTOWN, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE OUTSIDERS and SUFFS at Broadway In Chicago’s Summer Concert at Millennium Park, and performed with HAMILTON Chicago Company’s Miguel Cervantes (Alexander Hamilton) at the Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party at Navy Pier. Nominees also performed at the first Sundays On State, the Chicago Loop Alliance activation inviting people back to the Loop after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021.

For more information on both awards and complete rules and regulations, visit www.IHSMTA.com

ABOUT THE JIMMY AWARDS®
The Jimmy Awards®/National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) is a celebration of student achievement in high school musical theatre across the country, spotlighting the next generation of Broadway talent. The program impacts over 180,000 students who participate in 58 regional high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $9,000,000 in educational scholarships since its launch in 2009, and over 90 alumni have performed on Broadway and in National Tours. Presented by The Broadway League Foundation, Inc. , the NHSMTA invites two nominees from each local regional ceremony to New York City for a rigorous theatre intensive that includes coaching sessions, training, and rehearsals led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals. Nominees will spend ten days in New York City from Friday, June 12, 2026, through Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and their experience will culminate in an extraordinary talent showcase performed live in front of an audience on a Broadway stage. The seventeenth annual Jimmy Awards will take place on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Minskoff Theatre. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com .

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

LES MISÉRABLES
STILL THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR MUSICAL

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award®-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, makes a triumphant return to Chicago.

This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “Les Mis for the 21st Century” (Huffington Post), “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph) and “one of the greatest musicals ever created” (Chicago Tribune).

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history.

The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Master of the House” and many more. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries, 438 cities and 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.

LES MISÉRABLES begins performances at the Cadillac Palace Theatre on May 12 through May 24.
Click here for tickets.
Groups 10+ can be purchased by calling 312.977.1710.

NBC 5 Chicago
NBCUniversal Local Chicago, a division of NBCUniversal, is the home of NBC 5 (WMAQ-TV) and Telemundo Chicago (WSNS-TV). Together, the duopoly serves diverse English- and Spanish-speaking audiences in the third largest U.S. television market. The NBC and Telemundo owned stations deliver the latest local news, consumer and investigative reports across multiple linear, streaming and digital platforms, along with Chicago’s most accurate forecast, extensive local sports coverage, a range of original documentaries and series and entertainment/lifestyle content on “Chicago Today.” All original content is available on-air, digitally via NBCChicago.com, TelemundoChicago.com and on the stations’ mobile apps, as well as the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 live streaming channel, which is available for viewing on Peacock, Roku and Samsung TV and numerous steaming platforms, as well as free apps available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

Sound, Production & Lighting (SPL)
SPL is a full-service event production and system installation company. We provide production services for corporate meetings, galas and fundraising parties, marketing activations, and anything between – we’re always up for a challenge. We offer permanent installation services for a variety of venues in fields such as live performance, education, worship, and hospitality. Our goal for any project is to provide an unparalleled experience and service. www.splchicago.com

Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom
Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom has been Chicagoland’s trusted destination for kitchen and bath design for over 80 years. Located in Buffalo Grove, our 15,000 square foot showroom features hands-on displays of faucets, tubs, showers, vanities, cabinetry, and more — all guided by a team of designers with decades of experience. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or a simple refresh, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom’s knowledgeable staff helps homeowners and professionals find the perfect products for every space and budget. Learn More at bannerplumbing.com/showroom/. Remodel Like You Mean It.

Jennifer Heim Photography
Jennifer Heim Photography specializes in live stage, rehearsal, and headshot photography. Having shot over 900 productions and countless headshots, Jennifer is able to capture the emotion of a scene and create images that portray character depth and beautiful lighting design. Being a director and choreographer, she can anticipate blocking and movement to capture the best moments of your production for IHSMTA submissions. You want your students to stand out in their college auditions. Jennifer teaches them how to be in front of the camera to perfectly capture their personality for college auditions.  www.JenniferHeimHeadshots.com

Downstage Arts
Downstage Arts is a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of performers through high-quality, accessible arts training and mentorship. Our flagship program, The Teen Cohort, provides high school junior and seniors with free mentorship and professional coaching through the college audition and application process. From school research to decision day, students receive individualized guidance, artistic training, and a supportive community. We are proud to have 100% college placement. Learn more at Downstagearts.org.

Butterfly Productions
Founded in 2017, Butterfly Productions is a boutique, full-service creative photo and video production agency based in Chicago, IL. We specialize in crafting visually compelling content that tells powerful stories and elevates brands. Over the years, we’ve grown from a small production team into a dynamic creative partner, offering a wide range of production services, including commercial shoots, branded content, documentaries, aerial drone visuals, corporate projects and social media campaigns. Our capabilities go beyond the lens- with in-house talent in original music composition, scriptwriting, storyboarding, and concept development, we bring a holistic approach to every project. Whether you’re a brand, non-profit, agency, or individual creator, we work closely with you to turn your vision into high-impact visuals that resonate. To learn more, visit butterflyproductions.com.

Lou Malnati’s
No true Chicago experience is complete without a visit to one of the oldest names in Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s. Located throughout Chicagoland, enjoy Legendary Chicago Deep Dish and thin crust at the place that’s been perfecting it for 50+ years. Whether you’ve been out shopping, sightseeing or in going to a show at the theatre, Lou Malnati’s is the perfect spot to satiate your deep dish cravings. Find your location at loumalnatis.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 26 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium™.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
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