STUDENTS REPRESENT NORTHEASTERN WISCONSIN THROUGH THE FOX CITIES P.A.C.’S CENTER STAGE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER PROGRAM
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is proud to announce Luke Calaway and Lily Davis made their debut on a Broadway stage at the NHSMTA®/Jimmy Awards® hosted by actor and “High School Musical” star, Corbin Bleu in New York City Monday night.
Luke Calaway of Ashwaubenon High School and Lily Davis of Hortonville High School were nominated for their leading performances and chosen to represent Northeastern Wisconsin through the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program.Luke and Lily had the opportunity to learn from Broadway professionals in a week of workshops and perform on stage at the Minskoff Theater (currently the Broadway home to Disney’s The Lion King). The duo also had the opportunity to see Broadway shows, eat dinner at the famous Sardi’s restaurant and see themselves in lights in Times Square.Luke Calaway was nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role for his role as Nathan Detroit in Ashwaubenon High School’s production of Guys and Dolls. Luke is a recent graduate of Ashwaubenon High School with plans to study at UW Stevens Point this fall. He performed in the tribute production number at the Jimmy Awards.Lily Davis was nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role for her role as Gomez Addams in Hortonville High School’s production of The Addams Family. Lily is a recent graduate of Hortonville High School with plans to study at UW Eau Claire. She performed in the tribute production number at the Jimmy Awards.
“Congratulations to Luke and Lily for their hard work and dedication to the live performing arts,” said Fox Cities P.A.C. President and CEO Maria Van Laanen. “While in New York, they had the unique opportunity to form strong friendships with their peers from across the country and receive training from Broadway professionals. We are so proud to have these two students representing the region and the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program on a national level.”
ABOUT THE 2022-23 CENTER STAGE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER PROGRAM
Throughout the 2022-23 school year, approximately 2,000 students from a record 31 local high schools participated in the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program, an education initiative that celebrates and supports the achievements of high school theater programs in Northeastern Wisconsin. This year’s participating high schools included Appleton East, Ashwaubenon, Brillion, Chilton, De Pere, Denmark, Fond du Lac, Fox Valley Lutheran, Green Bay East, Green Bay Southwest, Green Bay West, Hortonville, Kaukauna, Little Chute, Luxemburg-Casco, Mishicot, Neenah, New London, Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, Oshkosh North, Oshkosh West, Preble, Pulaski, Shawano Community, Southern Door, St. Francis Xavier, St. Mary Catholic, Two Rivers, West De Pere, Weyauwega-Fremont and Winnebago Lutheran Academy.
During the program year, participating students had the opportunity to attend workshops with professionals in the theater field, to ask questions and explore different aspects of careers and learning opportunities, giving them a deeper understanding of the live performing arts industry.
This season marks the 7th anniversary of the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program building confidence, collaboration and creativity while supporting and celebrating the achievements of high school musical theater throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program is an educational initiative of the Fox Cities P.A.C. with support from corporate partner Fox Communities Credit Union. Additional partners in this program include Schneider Foundation, WFRV, Wipfli and Angelo and Jennifer Ninivaggi. Programs like the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program are also supported in part by contributions to the Center’s Annual Partner Campaign.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS
The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) program impacts more than 140,000 students who participate in 48 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 $6,000,000 in educational scholarships. Presented by The Broadway League Foundation, Inc., the NHSMTA invites one Best Actress and one Best Actor nominee from each local regional ceremony to New York City for a week-long theatre intensive that includes coaching sessions, training, and rehearsing led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals. Nominees spent one week in New York City from Sunday, June 18, 2023, through Tuesday, June 27, 2023, and their efforts throughout the week led to one extraordinary talent showcase performed live in front of an audience on a Broadway stage. The fourteenth annual Jimmy Awards took place on Monday, June 26, 2023, at the Minskoff Theatre. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.
ABOUT FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural education organization located in downtown Appleton, provides a premier venue for live performing arts. Since 2002, the Center has proudly served as a multicultural gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities while enhancing a greater understanding and appreciation of life through the live performing arts. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Where the Arts Come Alive!
