Learning from the best in this generation’s theatre industry is one of the many opportunities the cast of Big Fish was able to strive for last school year. From dancing and singing to acting and blocking, and even running tech behind the scenes, the Applause Awards help inspire kids to learn more about theatre. The celebration of musical theatre learning featured names such as Michael James Scott (formerly Genie in the Broadway production of “Aladdin”), directors from Dr. Phillips, and surrounding actors and technicians.
Ethan Prendergast, an incoming 11th grader who portrayed Karl the Giant in Big Fish, said he was anxious when he heard about the awards.
“This year was our first year ever considering inviting the Applause Awards,” Prendergast said. “I was nervous first hearing this news, but over time, through dedication to the show and my fellow thespians, I felt very comfortable.”
All cast and crew members involved in the production, from elementary school students to the technicians in the wings, were eligible for nomination for the awards, giving them the chance to learn from the best.
Three representatives from the Dr. Phillips Center attended Big Fish, taking notes and surveying the performance on the One School stage. Cali Hall, an incoming junior who worked on the tech side of the show, said she watched the guests judge the show.
“I was more nervous watching what the audience was gonna do than what was happening on stage,” Hall said. “The judges gave each other faces a lot, so it made me nervous, but it was overall really cool to see.”
On April 24, 11 scholars who participated in the musical received an email stating they had been nominated for awards, with the specific award varying for each person.
“I was filled with joy and thankful for the opportunity to have a chance to go and perform on a Broadway Stage, learning from the best of the best,” Prendergast said. “This is definitely an experience many don’t get, so I was thankful to even be in the running.”
Alongside Prendergast (who won Outstanding Supporting Actor), Chloe Romaniello, a new alumna receiving the Outstanding Singer Award, was a winner in attendance for this showcase. Avery Stepan, an incoming senior, also received the Director’s Choice Award.
“I learned that to be a leader, you have to make yourself known in the theatre world, show up, and show out,” Stepan said. “I also learned that this year I want to give opportunities to those who haven’t had a chance before, giving everyone a chance to shine.”
On May 31, troupe members, including Amaya Lewis, an incoming junior, attended the awards show, where they watched their fellow troupe members showcase their talent alongside other high school scholars from various schools.
“The Applause Awards were so amazing,” Lewis said. “Suliette Ortiz, who sang ‘I Miss The Mountains,’ was definitely my favorite number, and she ended up winning!”
Later on, scholars were able to watch the Jimmy Awards, the high school theatre award show, where two winners from the Applause Awards were sent. Watching these two winners, students from our school were inspired. Giia Alvarez, an incoming freshman who was in Big Fish, said she enjoyed the awards.
“The Jimmys are so cool,” Alvarez said. “If people really focus and put their best foot forward, Mary Poppins might be in the running for the Jimmys.”
The theatre program will be attending the Applause Awards again this upcoming season, bringing the musical Mary Poppins. Auditions are open to all, offering anyone the opportunity to try for a chance to shine at these awards.
