On April 14, hundreds of local high school students, teachers, fans and Austin media gathered at the Long Center for the Second Annual Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards (GAHSMTA). Months of rehearsing, local productions, and hard work came to a head as representatives from Ballet Austin, ZACH Theatre, the University of Texas, the Long Center, Austin Opera, and the Austin Symphony announced the winners.
The ceremony featured a variety of performances from the nominated casts, including a medley showcasing lead actors and actresses, a finale including a male and female from each participating school and performances from each of the nine Outstanding Musical nominees.
“Once again, the Austin arts community came together to recognize the sheer talent and passion of our students. It was truly a night that will be remembered and relived by all involved for years to come.” said Jamie Grant, President and CEO of the Long Center.
Media partner KXAN recorded the event for rebroadcast on KVBO on Saturday, April 18.
The Winners:
Best Production–James Bowie High School, “Evita”
Best Direction–Dripping Springs High School, “Annie Get Your Gun”
Best Choreography–Cedar Ridge High School, “Bring it On”
Best Musical Direction–James Bowie High School, “Evita”
Best Orchestra–James Bowie High School, “Evita”
Best Scenic Design–St. Andrews High School, “Sweeney Todd”
Best Lighting Design–Cedar Ridge High School, “Bring it On”
Best Costume Design–St. Andrews High School, “Sweeney Todd”
Best Technical Execution–Leander High School, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
Best Ensemble–St. Stephens High School, “Cabaret”
Best Actor in a Leading Role–Wolf Williams, Marble Falls High School, “Fiddler on the Roof”
Best Actress in a Leading Role–Lena Owens, Cedar Ridge High School, “Bring it On”
Best Actor in a Supporting Role–Milo Tucker, Dripping Springs High School, “Annie Get Your Gun”
Best Actress in a Supporting Role–Gemma Dimon, Round Rock High School, “She Loves Me”
Best Featured Performer (tie)–Harmon Gamble, Hendrickson High School, “Les Miserables”
and Eden Keig, St. Stephens High School, “Cabaret”
Student Design–Stephen Hamilton, Cedar Ridge High School, “Bring it On”
and Mary Lancaster, Vista Ridge High School, “Beauty and the Beast”
Scholarship Recipients–Christopher Washington, Taylor King, Nolan Whitely, Kaila Burrit, Jordan Rodriguez, Martha Ruby Clark, Chloe Berlinger, Rebecca Urban, Mickey May and Jenna Scott
School Grants–McCallum Fine Arts Academy, Crockett High School, Rouse High School, LBJ Theatre and Del Valle High School
Photo by James Goulden and the Long Center.
