2019 - 2020 15th
Annual National Youth Arts Awards!
~ Arizona - East Valley
~
National
Youth Arts is excited to continue announcing the winners of our 15th Annual National Youth Arts Awards to honor outstanding work
by youth in the arts. This year's award winners were selected from nominations by a panel of
more than 50 judges
and reviewers.
In addition to the youth who performed in schools and youth arts companies, anyone
age 18 and under who performed at
a show reviewed by a judge was also considered for the NYA awards, as well as the adults who participated in the youth productions backstage (directors, set designers, costume designers,
etc.) and guest adult Performances in productions
designed for
youth. College artists are eligible for our University Arts (UniArts)
Awards presented in conjunction with the National Youth Arts Awards. Thank you all for your incredible work and
all the unforgettable entertainment over the past year!
Obviously, due to the pandemic, this year will be far different. We will be
posting the awards and nominations, but we won't be holding any live awards
ceremonies and, without the ticket sales, won't be able to provide award
trophies. Links to
PDF printable certificates are next to each award and nomination below. We'll be adding submitted headshots, production photos, and videos to the
ceremony page over the coming weeks. Most of the production photos will come from the theaters, but if you have a headshot, favorite production photos,
photos of you with your award/nomination, and/or a video to send in of you
performing a song or monologue from the show, please
email them to rob@nationalyouththeatre.com.
You can also send in text of an acceptance speech to that email address or via
the Order Page. If you would like to receive an email when the ceremony page is fully updated
with all the submissions, please check the box on the Order Page.
Order Page
[Trophies/T-shirts/Yearbooks/Memberships/Artist Pages]:
If
you're an award winner and would like a trophy to go with the certificate, you can order one directly from our trophy
provider or place the order with us. You may also order NYA Awards T-shirts, masks, a yearbook for your area, or have an
artist page added to our website. Please email any headshots/production photos
for this awards page, your artist page, and/or the yearbook to Rob Hopper at rob@nationalyouththeatre.com. There is some possibility that in late October/early November we may invite award winners to a limited outdoor event in Scottsdale for acceptance speeches and photos. This would depend on the status of the pandemic and, if it happens, may be done in shifts or on different nights to maintain a small gathering. If interested in attending such an event, award winners may check the appropriate box on the Order Form.
2020-21 NYA & University Arts Video Showcase: Award winners and
nominees may submit a video of their performance of a musical number or
monologue for the 2020-21 Video Showcase using this form: http://www.nationalyouththeatre.com/news/news_nya_showcase2021.asp.
The 2020-21 showcase will wrap up either in the winter or spring of 2021. At
that time the showcases will also be adjudicated for both regional and national
showcase honors.
NYA Alumni: During the 2019-20 season, former NYA award winners have been involved in more than a dozen
Broadway shows (including Hadestown, Hamilton, Jagged Little Pill, Come From Away, The Prom, Dear Evan
Hansen, The Book of Mormon, The Ferryman, Mean Girls, Grand Horizons, West Side Story) and principal
performers on more than twenty current or scheduled TV shows (including Dynasty, Stranger Things, Nancy
Drew, Queen Sugar, DuckTales, The L Word, The Twilight Zone, The Stand, The
Undoing, High School Musical,
Criminal Minds, Black-ish, Batwoman, Dispatches from Elsewhere, Arrow, The
Prom, Mr.
Iglesias, Atypical, Veronica Mars, The Gifted, The Marvelous Mrs.
Maisel), as well as principals in films including Frozen 2, Eternals,
Spider-Man: Far From Home, Doctor Sleep, Dinner in America, Kajillionaire, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
A few
award-winning alumni include three Tony Nominees, Ashley Park[2009
Winner] (Gretchen in Mean Girls), Emily Skeggs[2008]
(Medium Alison in Fun Home) & Madeleine Foster Bersin[2010]
as producer of What the Constitution Means to Me, as well as Asher Angel[2013, '14, '15] (Film: Billy Batson in Shazam!,
TV: Jonah Beck in Andi Mack), Lia McHugh[2018] (Film:
Sprite in Marvel's Eternals), Jackie Foster [2010, '12, '13,
'14] (TV: The Voice Semifinalist, Lollapalooza), Rachel
Matthews [2011, '12] (Film: Honeymaren in Frozen 2, Danielle
in Happy Death Day), Veronica
Dunne[2011, '12, '13] (Broadway: Roxie in Chicago, TV: Marisa
Clark in K.C. Undercover), Francesca Reale[2012]
(TV: Heather in Stranger Things), Julia Lester[2017] (Ashlyn
in Disney's High School Musical: The Musical), Rachel Redleaf [2011,
'12, '13, '14] (Mama Cass in Once
Upon a Time in Hollywood, Beth in Atypical), Kennedy McMann[2013, '14] (TV: Nancy Drew in The CW's Nancy Drew), Brennyn Lark[2011]
(Broadway: Eponine in Les Mis,
TV: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and Grammy winner Ariana
Grande [2009].
Ceremony Portfolio for Agents: Award recipients and nominees are eligible for
talent agency submissions. If you're interested in having NY and LA agents review your headshot/resume, please email them
to rob@nationalyouththeatre.com.
If any of the agencies are interested, you'll be contacted directly via the email on your resume. Reminder:
Your resume should only have the email and cell of someone over the age of 18 (your parent or
guardian)
Rob Hopper
rob@nationalyouththeatre.com Facebook
Instagram
Threads
Executive Director
National Youth Arts
Outstanding Production:
Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding College Production:
Rent (Scottsdale Community Players) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Choral Production (College Division):Broadway Under the Stars: Once Upon a Time (Horizon High School) NYA
CertificateHome for the Holidays (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Artist of the Year:
Kylie Burge (Elle Woods in Limelight's Legally Blonde, Anna in EVCT's Frozen Jr., Toffee in Zombie Prom and Katherine Blake in Freaky Friday @ Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Kalei Cotecson (Danielle in Bring It On @ AYT, Leading Player in Pippin @ AYT, Top 10 Showcase National Finalist -
They Just Keep Moving the Line from Smash) NYA
Certificate
Jack Yampolsky (Jack Kelly in DST’s Newsies, Bernstein in Spotlight’s
Dogfight, Seymour in DMHS’s Little Shop of Horrors) NYA
Certificate
Junior Artist of the Year:
Lachlan Henderson (Olaf in Frozen Jr. & Matilda Cobblestone in The Elves and the Shoemaker @ Fountain Hills Youth Theater, Edith Zuckerman in Charlotte’s Web @ TheaterWorks)
NYA
Certificate
It is with great pleasure, gratitude, and humility that I receive this award.
8 years ago, I attended my first ever theatre workshop at Fountain Hills Theater. I had no idea what to expect and no idea what was to come. Ms. Paige Beckman lit a fire in me that has continued to burn ever since. By being a theater kid I have learned about friendship, responsibility, organization, memorization, team work, fun, and creativity. I learned to show up, know my lines, and be on time (aka early, otherwise, you’re late). Theater became my happy place, and my second home.
This year alone, I got to enter the magic world of Arendelle as a sidekick snowman, maintain poor posture in order to portray an old woman (sorry, Mom, I know, “Stand up straight!”), spread love and goodness through magical footwear in
Elves and the Shoemaker, and I got my Cowgirl on, and witnessed the magic of
Charlotte's Web. Thanks to theater, I have made more friends, had more interesting experiences (and a few notable injuries), and grown more as a young person than I otherwise would have.
I would like to sincerely thank Rob Hopper and the NYAs. Without you, the youth arts would not be where it is today. You are every youth performers’ biggest fan.
I also would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the staff and crew members at Fountain Hills Theater and TheaterWorks for their hard work on the shows this season, and every season. Thank you for believing in me, and giving me a chance to further grow and develop myself as a human being, and as an artist.
And as always, thank you Mom and Dad for supporting me, ever since little six year old Lachlan walked through the doors of a Cinderella camp, and entered the magical world of the theater! Also, a huge shoutout to all of the castmates and techies that I had the opportunity to work with. Making magic is a team sport, and I’ve been extremely lucky to work with and grow with such talented people!
Like everyone, I can’t wait till the curtains rise again. I can only hope that these “unprecedented times” move along and come to an end as fast as closing night arrives!
Thank you, and see you when the curtains rise, again!
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical:
Nainoa Aguano as Chad in All Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
Certificate Tawny Audi as Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Liv Boscardin as Julia Sullivan in The Wedding Singer (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Abby Cardenas as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (Veritas Prep Academy)
NYA
Certificate
Grace Carlson as Donna in Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Kristiana Corona as Anna in Frozen Jr. (Hamilton High School) NYA
Certificate
Bennett Curran as Baker in Into the Woods (Notre Dame Prep) NYA
Certificate
Brach Drew as Cat in the Hat in Seussical (Marcos de Niza High School)
NYA
Certificate
(Production photo by Devon Adams)
Gracie Gamble as Wednesday in The Addams Family (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
I am Honored and humbled to have been given this award. I could not of done it without the phenomenal cast and crew of The Addams Family that helped every step of the way! I would like to thank Ms. Heather Gillen for her guidance and support during production of the show. And lastly I want to thank my mom for all the hours on set for hair and makeup, plus the love, support and encouragement. Thank you!
Noa Gauthier as Mimi in Rent (Scottsdale Community Players) NYA
Certificate
Kyle Hoffmaster as Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd (Chaparral High School)
NYA
Certificate
George Nassar as Moritz in Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
(Production photo by Durant Photography)
Ainsley Orozco as Wendla in Spring Awakening
(Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate Matthew Pitman as Jonny in Zombie Prom (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Haley Reed as Campbell in Bring It On (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Riley Thornton as Melchior in Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Jack Walton as Mark in Rent (Scottsdale Community Players) NYA
Certificate
Jessica Wastchak as Elsa in Frozen Jr. (Hamilton High School) NYA
Certificate
Ryan Weiland as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady (Veritas Prep Academy)
NYA
Certificate
Macie Wilson as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Desert Mountain High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play:
Nainoa Aguano as Loner/Dylan Klebold in Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Kassandra Diaz as Alejandra in Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Brach Drew as Wadsworth in Clue on Stage (Marcos de Niza High School)
NYA
Certificate
Manuel Edrozo as Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Cami Hagen as Francoise in Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
Ever Ruiz as Freak/Eric Harris in Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Olivia Woodward-Shaw as Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Lead Performance (Junior Division):
Ashley Gebhard as RJ in Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Adia Gleave as Patrice in 13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Hailey Laidig as Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical Jr. (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Lily Nelson as Elsa in Frozen Jr. (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Taylor Peel as Anna in Frozen Jr. (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Jacob Price as Emmett in Legally Blonde Jr. (Cocopah Middle School)
NYA
Certificate
Camryn Taylor as Grace Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
"I would like to thank all the wonderful people who helped put the show together. All my thanks to the directors, Emma England, Gillian Elliot and Brianna Fallon, and Carol Webb, vocal director/vocal coach. Also a big thanks to the set designers, costume designers, and parent volunteers who helped with the show as well. I am pleased to give a very special thanks to the amazing, talented cast of
Best Christmas Pageant Ever. They were very fun to work with and very supportive. One last thanks to Limelight Performing Arts for giving me the opportunity to portray such a compassionate and determined character. The vision of the show came together in a remarkable way that spread a sweet holiday message to families and friends. One last shout-out to my family for their love and support. Thank You!"
Outstanding Lead Performance (College Division):
Kale Burr as Roger in Rent (Scottsdale Community Players) NYA
Certificate
Noah Delgado as Leading Player in Pippin (Actor’s Youth Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Supporting Performance (College Division):
Erin Tarkington as Lily St. Regis in Annie (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Greer Tornquist as Maureen in Rent (Scottsdale Community Players)
NYA
Certificate
Bennett Allen Wood as Angel in Rent (Scottsdale Community Players)
NYA
Certificate
Having the honor and privilege of playing such an important and relatable and relevant character such as Angel Dumott Schunard was truly life-changing. Angel sees the world for all that is has to offer and is most definitely a glass-half-full kind of gal. As a queer non-conforming gendered individual myself, Angel taught me how to always be 100% me and not to ever care what others think.
Rent is a timeless piece of theatre that must be protected at all costs and never stop being produced. There are issues in the show that are unfortunately still very prevalent and pressing issues today: racism, sexism, mistreatment of sex workers, homophobia, the list goes on. Jonathan Larson knew what he was writing even back in the late 80’s, and I think if he were still alive today, he would be so proud to see what kind of an impact his show has made on so many people.
Thank you to Rob Hopper and the NYAs, thank you to Maureen Dias Watson for entrusting me with such a beautiful and important role and for shaping Angel into me and me into Angel, thank you to my stage partner and my dear friend Micah Lawrence, or to me, my Tom Collins, congratulations to you, I’ll (always) Cover You, and congratulations and thank you from the bottom of my sequin-covered, high-heeled wearing heart to the rest of my cast AND crew. We may have been highly recognized as a production, but the biggest award for me was sharing the stage with each and every one of you. I love you all dearly and I look forward to a time where we can all reunite and sing Seasons of Love together... and cry a lot. Thank you to my close friends and family who are the reason why I am able to follow my dream every single day, and encourage me every step of the way. And lastly, thank you Angel. You taught me to be myself, to love myself, to love everyone around me, and to always love unconditionally, no matter who or what is in my way.
“No day but today.” Black Lives Matter. Black Trans Lives Matter. Vote.
I have rights as a gay person because of a black trans woman.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical:
Olivia Brydon as Catherine in Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
(Photo by Devon Adams)
Donelly Clark as Alice in The Addams Family (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Manuel Edrozo as Eddie Flagrante in Zombie Prom (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Riley Glick as Johanna in Sweeney Todd (Chaparral High School)
NYA
Certificate
Tatum Grell as Ilse in Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Preston Kersting as Anthony in Sweeney Todd (Chaparral High School)
NYA
Certificate
Micah Lawrence as Collins in Rent (Scottsdale Community Players)
NYA
Certificate
Destinee McCaster as Joanne in Rent (Scottsdale Community Players)
NYA
Certificate
Ronnie Mizquez as Rusty in Footloose (Saguaro High School) NYA
Certificate
Shayna Padjen as Fastrada in Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Hayden Skaggs as Billy Flynn in Chicago (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Noah Sucato as Crutchie in Newsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Autumn Towne as Sandra in All Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
Certificate
Tyler Velarde as Vi Moore in Footloose (Saguaro High School) NYA
Certificate
Sydney Volker as Miss Delilah Strict in Zombie Prom (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Play:
Liz Del Vecchio as Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby (Chandler High School)
NYA
Certificate
I am honored to be nominated and win my first NYA. The Great Gatsby was a show I'll never forget and the highlight of my freshmen year at Chandler High. Id like to give a huge thanks to Ms. Likes and Ms. Kolacki for being the amazing directors and women they are. If it wasn't for their phenomenal leadership I wouldn't have had such a developed character and successful performance.
Sabrina Harding as Mounette in Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
Hope Niven as Yvonne in Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
Sophia Penn as Perfect in Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Delaney Starks as Agnes in Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
Ali Tichavsky as Faith in Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Eden Tornquist as Rebel in Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Supporting Performance (Junior Division):
Natalie Arko as Spider in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Evan Brady as Pugsley in The Addams Family (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Olivia Feldman as Lucy in 13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Ella Morelli as Ladybug in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Marco Velasquez as Olaf in Frozen Jr. (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical (College Division):
Joseph Cavazos as Benny in Rent (Scottsdale Community Players) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical:
Kevin Wang as Hanschen & Rupert in Spring Awakening (Greasepaint
Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play:
Riley Van Cleve as Teacher in The Butterfly Queen (Hamilton High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Featured Performance (Junior Division):
Mia Angelina as Serena in Legally Blonde (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Cole Blubaum as Wolf in Into the Woods (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Addison Nelson as Middle Elsa/Ensemble in Frozen Jr. (Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Choral Soloist:
Lauren Pawletzki as Glinda in Broadway Under the Stars: Once Upon a Time (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Ensemble:
(Photo by Devon Adams)
The Addams Family (Williams Field High School) NYA
CertificateAll Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
CertificateClue on Stage (Marcos de Niza High School) NYA
Certificate
Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
CertificateLegally Blonde (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
CertificateLittle Shop of Horrors (Desert Mountain High School) NYA
CertificateNewsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
CertificateSweeney Todd (Chaparral High School) NYA
CertificateWho Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School) NYA
CertificateZombie Prom (Perry High School) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Ensemble (Junior Division):
13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
CertificateThe Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
CertificateJames and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding College Ensemble:A Long Time Ago (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Rent (Scottsdale Community Players) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Costume Design:
Kristin Dybvig-Pawelko & Rebecca Call for Frozen Jr. (Valley of the Sun
JCC) NYA
Certificate
Emma England for Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Lighting Design:
Stacey Walston for Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Set Design:
Pete Jacobson for Clue on Stage (Marcos de Niza High School) NYA
Certificate
Ross Collins for The Elves and the Shoemaker (Fountain Hills Youth Theater)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Student Choreography:
Lauren Oh for Little Shop of Horrors (Desert Mountain High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Choreography:
Audrey Sullivan for Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Sound Design/Original Music:
Maliqui Brown for Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
Karen Rolston for Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Youth Orchestra:Footloose (Saguaro High School) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Musical Direction:
Curtis Moeller and Mary Ellen Loose for Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Direction:
Lisa Barton Figueroa for Newsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Pete Bish for Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Maureen Dias-Watson for Rent (Scottsdale Community Players) NYA
Certificate
Kyle Spitler for Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
* ...And the additional
Nominees are ... *
Outstanding Production:All Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
CertificateClue on Stage (Marcos de Niza High School) NYA
CertificateFrozen Jr. (Hamilton High School) NYA
CertificateNewsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
CertificateSeussical (Marcos de Niza High School) NYA
Certificate
Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
CertificateWho Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School) NYA
CertificateYoung Frankenstein (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
CertificateZombie Prom (Perry High School) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Production (Junior Division):
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Frozen Jr. (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical:
Kara Armstrong as Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Jake Ashton as Pippin in Pippin (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
(Photo by Devon Adams)
Benton Blonde as Gomez in The Addams Family (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Lexi Field as Ariel Moore in Footloose (Saguaro High School) NYA
Certificate
Ashleigh Herek as Aunt Sponge in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Logan Holmes as Ren McCormack in Footloose (Saguaro High School)
NYA
Certificate
(Photo by Devon Adams)
Isla Hubbard as Morticia in The Addams Family (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Dean Kelldorf as Gomez Addams in The Addams Family (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Kayla King as Leading Player in Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Sadie Krotonsky as Katherine in Newsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Olivia La Porte as Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods (Notre Dame Prep)
NYA
Certificate
Garrett Lindsey as Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Tré Moore as Kristoff in Frozen Jr. (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Brandt Norris as Pippin in Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Danielle Obergh as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Kyra O’Connor as Velma Kelly in Chicago (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Amelia Oliver as Natalie/Ed in All Shook Up (Chandler High School)
NYA
Certificate
Ashley Thomson as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Chaparral High School)
NYA
Certificate
Eden Tornquist as Sophie in Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Jamie Villarreal as Morticia in The Addams Family (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Sydney Volker as Ellie Blake in Freaky Friday (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Bonnie Wanstreet as Inga in Young Frankenstein (Actor’s Youth Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Annie Washburn as Roxie Hart in Chicago (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play:
Ryan Cogley as Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby (Chandler High School)
NYA
Certificate
Charlize Cornejo as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby (Chandler High School)
NYA
Certificate
Matthew Gross as Juror Eight in 12 Angry Jurors (Saguaro High School)
NYA
Certificate
Elijah Newton as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby (Chandler High School)
NYA
Certificate
McKennah Olson as Lucy in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Matthew Pitman as Boy/Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Lauren Skemp as Macy in Not Your Average Zombie Apocalypse (Notre Dame Prep)
NYA
Certificate
Ashley Thomson as Viola de Lesseps in Shakespeare in Love (Chaparral High School)
NYA
Certificate
Tyler Velarde as Juror Eight in 12 Angry Jurors (Saguaro High School)
NYA
Certificate
Haley Whinery as Gina in Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Lead Performance (Junior Division):
Carter Gianetti as Bert in Mary Poppins (Actor’s Youth Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Hailey Glicksman as Ladahlord in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Brynn Granger as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Kayla Hardin as Miss Nelson in Miss Nelson is Missing (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Baylee Horvath as Annie in Annie (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Baylee Horvath as Aunt Sponge in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Baylee Horvath as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Evan Kaushesh as Evan in 13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Noelle Krugman as Anna in Frozen Jr. (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Carter Neef as Kristoff in Frozen Jr. (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Nora Palermo as Elsa in Frozen Jr. (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Ethan Roga as James Trotter in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Hana Schmidt as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde Jr. (Cocopah Middle School)
NYA
Certificate
Meg Shembekar as Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Bennett Smith as Jesus in Godspell (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Moranda Smith as Virginia in Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Audra South as JoJo/Boy in Seussical Jr. (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Sophie Swingler as Anna in Frozen Jr. (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Xander Zeeb as James Trotter in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Lead Performance (College Division):
Noah Delgado as Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein (Actor’s Youth Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Bailey Gorman as Igor in Young Frankenstein (Actor’s Youth Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Supporting Performance (College Division):
Bear Golden as J. Finch Fletchley in Puffs (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Will Rippenkroeger as Cedric/Mr. Voldy in Puffs (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical:
Libby Carr as Helen Armstrong in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Avery Chisenski as Dean in All Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
Certificate
Charlize Cornejo as Sylvia in All Shook Up (Chandler High School)
NYA
Certificate
Hunter Frye as Witch in Into the Woods (Notre Dame Prep) NYA
Certificate
Jordan Gingell as Professor Callahan/Winthrop in Legally Blonde (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Kyler Glazier as Toby in Sweeney Todd (Chaparral High School) NYA
Certificate
Trey Godzich as Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady (Veritas Prep Academy)
NYA
Certificate
Maile Griego as Rosie in Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Matthew Gross as Reverend Shaw Moore in Footloose (Saguaro High School)
NYA
Certificate
Dean Kelldorf as Amos Hart in Chicago (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Connor Klein as Davey in Newsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
(Photo by Devon Adams)
Kale Klein as Lucas in The Addams Family (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Kennady MacDonald as Paulette in Legally Blonde (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
(Photo by Devon Adams)
Brennan Merrill as Fester in The Addams Family (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Caitlyn Miller as Catherine in Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Ava Pack as Elizabeth Benning in Young Frankenstein (Actor’s Youth Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Lauren Reilly as Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors (Desert Mountain High School)
NYA
Certificate
Chloe Rozalsky as Mayor Clankbattle in The Elves and the Shoemaker (Fountain Hills Youth Theater)
NYA
Certificate
Ever Ruiz as Dennis in All Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
Certificate
Anne Schermerhorn as Alice in The Addams Family (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Hayden Skaggs as Sam in Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Owen Stewart as Harry in Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Noah Sucato as Glen Guglia in The Wedding Singer (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Avery Taulbee as Lady Larkin in Once Upon a Mattress (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Riley Thornton as Eddie in Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Carson Ware as King Sextimus in Once Upon a Mattress (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Andy Wissink as Bill in Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Zoe Woods as Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Chase Zeiner as The Monster in Young Frankenstein (Actor’s Youth Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Play:
Logan Aryes as Gamma in Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Connor Besemer as Alf in Peter and the Starcatcher (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Spencer Blanchard as Jock in Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Benton Blonde as Fenris Ulf in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Bennett Curran as Prep in Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Mia Dickson as Norma Pike, Marion Jay in Trap (Desert Vista High School)
NYA
Certificate
Jasper Dillon as Juror Four in 12 Angry Jurors (Saguaro High School)
NYA
Certificate
Jasmyn Gade as Denise in Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
Gianna Iorio as Willow in Not Your Average Zombie Apocalypse (Notre Dame Prep)
NYA
Certificate
Emily Jacoby as Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Lindsay Kaminsky as Juror Four in 12 Angry Jurors (Saguaro High School)
NYA
Certificate
Sam Klinghagen as Juror Three in 12 Angry Jurors (Saguaro High School)
NYA
Certificate
Grace Kuhn as Alpha in Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Antonio Lovato as Mr. Green in Clue on Stage (Marcos de Niza High School)
NYA
Certificate
Sienna Madriaga as Berthe in Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
Tatum Mason as Dwarf in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Cora Mesa as White Witch in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Rashad Moore as Colonel Mustard in Clue on Stage (Marcos de Niza High School)
NYA
Certificate
George Nassar as AP in Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Delani Piasecki as Gwendolyn Heche in Trap (Desert Vista High School)
NYA
Certificate
Jamie Ross as Angela in Trap (Desert Vista High School) NYA
Certificate
Belle Scialo as Claire in Who Will Carry the Word (Queen Creek High School)
NYA
Certificate
Rylee Scott as Wolf in Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Kyrian Sowards as Professor Plum in Clue on Stage (Marcos de Niza High School)
NYA
Certificate
Izzy Stephens as Myrtle Wilson in The Great Gatsby (Chandler High School)
NYA
Certificate
Diego Wagner as Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher (Perry High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Supporting Performance (Junior Division):
Laine Bombard as Lewis in Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Max Casale as Earthworm in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Kylan Chait as Archie in 13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Paige Erdmann as Mayzie La Bird in Seussical Jr. (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Olivia Rose Feldman as Nala in The Lion King Jr. (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Samia Hankinson-Miller as Gladys Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Sydney Hassler as Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Hailey Laidig as Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Raquel Murrietta as Kendra in 13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Aaron Neubeck as Timon in The Lion King Jr. (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Bo O’Brasky as Pumbaa in The Lion King Jr. (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Declan Skaggs as Brett in 13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Abigail Springer as Imogene Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Samantha Stinnett as Ladahlord in James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Samantha Stinnett as Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Marco Velasquez as Nugget in Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Xander Zeeb as Lion in The Wizard of Oz (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical:
Hailey Boiarsky as Rosie in The Wedding Singer (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Liv Boscardin as Martha in Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Taylor Penn as Mark’s Mom/Ensemble in Rent (Scottsdale Community Players)
NYA
Certificate
Christopher Poulios as Race in Newsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Allie Rose as Grandma in The Addams Family (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Annika Seoane as Mrs. Higgins in My Fair Lady (Veritas Prep Academy)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play:
Vincent Farley as Detective McSmogg in Miss Nelson is Missing (Limelight Performing Arts)
NYA
Certificate
Hunter Frye as Gym Teacher in Not Your Average Zombie Apocalypse (Notre Dame Prep)
NYA
Certificate
Frankie Keffer as Police Operator in Not Your Average Zombie Apocalypse (Notre Dame Prep)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Featured Performance (Junior Division):
Kai Ahlman as Weasleton in Frozen Jr. (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Morgan Anderson as Middle Elsa in Frozen Jr. (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Petra Danek as Young/Mid Elsa in Frozen Jr. (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Lynden Jarman as Eddie in 13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Boston Laney as Malcolm in 13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
McKenzie Lopezlira as Molly in Annie (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Riley Mellon as Young/Mid Elsa in Frozen Jr. (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Ella Morelli as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Kendall Morgan as We Be Glee Company in Beehive (Actor’s Youth Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Anna Scales as Young/Mid Anna in Frozen Jr. (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Anna Swingler as Young/Mid Anna in Frozen Jr. (Greasepaint Youtheatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Choral Soloist:
Wyatt Eastman as Audrey II in Broadway Under the Stars: Once Upon a Time (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Ross Nemeth as Seymour in Broadway Under the Stars: Once Upon a Time (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Bridget Rhee as Audrey in Broadway Under the Stars: Once Upon a Time (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Hudson Wilcox as Dentist in Broadway Under the Stars: Once Upon a Time (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Jaxon Wilcox as Soloist in Broadway Under the Stars: Once Upon a Time (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Ensemble:
The Addams Family (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
The Butterfly Queen (Hamilton High School)
Chicago (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
CertificateThe Elves and the Shoemaker (Fountain Hills Youth Theater) NYA
Certificate
Footloose (Saguaro High School) NYA
CertificateFreaky Friday (Perry High School) NYA
Certificate
Frozen Jr. (East Valley Children’s Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
My Fair Lady (Veritas Prep Academy) NYA
Certificate
Peter and the Starcatcher (Perry High School) NYA
Certificate
Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Trap (Desert Vista High School) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Ensemble (Junior Division):
Frozen Jr. (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Seussical Jr. (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Guest Ensemble:
Annie (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Costume Design:
Benjamin Bozovich for Frozen Jr. (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Benjamin Bozovich for Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Emma England for Into the Woods (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Emma England for Seussical Jr. (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Petra Jakubczyk and Sam Landtiser for My Fair Lady (Veritas Prep Academy)
NYA
Certificate
Barbara Jakucki for Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Barbara Jakucki for Frozen Jr. (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Maxine Kruse for Frozen Jr. (Hamilton High School) NYA
Certificate
Diana Likes for All Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
Certificate
Marcie Rozalsky and Allison Hacker for The Elves and the Shoemaker (Fountain Hills Youth Theater)
NYA
Certificate
Amanda Zeeb for The Wizard of Oz (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
The Addams Family (Williams Field High School)
Outstanding Lighting Design:
Michael Bouchard for Sweeney Todd (Chaparral High School) NYA
Certificate
Brady Fiscus for The Wizard of Oz (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Abby Flanigan for Frozen Jr. (Hamilton High School) NYA
Certificate
Natalie Hale for Trap (Desert Vista High School) NYA
Certificate
Bill Lorentz for All Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
Certificate
Dale Nakagawa for Columbinus (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Bob Nelson for Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Matthew Steward for Footloose (Saguaro High School) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Set Design:
Tanja Bauerie and Kym Smith for Frozen Jr. (Actor’s Youth Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Dori Brown for Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Tom Holmberg for Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Choreography:
Lynzee 4Man for Newsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Emma England for Legally Blonde (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Emma England for Seussical Jr. (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Madison MacDonald for Chicago (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Madison MacDonald for Mamma Mia! (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Dale Nakagawa for Rent (Scottsdale Community Players) NYA
Certificate
Emily Temple for My Fair Lady (Veritas Prep Academy) NYA
Certificate
Johnna Watson for Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Tiffany White, Stephanie Likes, Katie Kolacki for All Shook Up (Chandler High School)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Sound Design/Original Music:
Amanda Bell for Sweeney Todd (Chaparral High School) NYA
Certificate
Matthew Steward for Newsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Vance “Kit” Williamson for The Wizard of Oz (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Hair/Makeup Design:
Cori L. Johnson for Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Youth Orchestra:
Pippin (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Musical Direction:
Mark 4Man for Newsies (Desert Stages Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Vance Acker for Frozen Jr. (Hamilton High School) NYA
Certificate
Mary Ellen Loose for Rent (Scottsdale Community Players) NYA
Certificate
Lori Lyford for All Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding Direction:
Kristin Alba and Erin Tarkington for James and the Giant Peach (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Lisa Barton Figueroa for The Addams Family (Desert Stages Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Ed Como for Sweeney Todd (Chaparral High School) NYA
Certificate
Don Crosby for My Fair Lady (Veritas Prep Academy) NYA
Certificate
Randy Duren for Zombie Prom (Perry High School) NYA
Certificate
Gillian Elliott, Emma England, & Brianna Fallon for The Best Christmas Pageant
Ever (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Heather Gillen for The Addams Family (Williams Field High School)
NYA
Certificate
Jim Gradillas for 13 (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Shawn Hansen for Pippin (Limelight Performing Arts) NYA
Certificate
Allison Kluch and Jeanette Winzeler for Broadway Under the Stars: Once Upon a Time (Horizon High School)
NYA
Certificate
Stephanie Likes and Katie Kolacki for All Shook Up (Chandler High School) NYA
Certificate
Patrick McChesney for Clue on Stage (Marcos de Niza High School)
NYA
Certificate
Karen Rolston for Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
Bob Sorenson for Spring Awakening (Greasepaint Youtheatre) NYA
Certificate
Seth Tucker for Young Frankenstein (Actor’s Youth Theatre) NYA
Certificate
Christina Vail for Frozen Jr. (Hamilton High School) NYA
Certificate
Outstanding New Works:
Laura Winters for Space Mission #5379: Saving Rachel Nevada (East Valley Children’s Theatre)
NYA
Certificate
(Production photo by Devon Adams)
(Photo by Devon Adams)
(Photo by Devon Adams)
(Photo by Devon Adams)
(Photo by Devon Adams)
(Photo by Devon Adams)
