News Summary
Chris Hayes and Marie Muñoz, two talented students from Las Vegas, will represent Nevada at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards. Both have received high accolades at the state level and have traveled to New York for intensive preparations. The awards, livestreamed from a Broadway stage, celebrate outstanding achievements in high school theater. This year’s ceremony features talented nominees from across the U.S. and aims to inspire the next generation of performers. Fans can watch the event live online and celebrate the art of theater.
Las Vegas
Two students from Las Vegas, Chris Hayes and Marie Muñoz, are set to represent Nevada at the prestigious National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, which will take place on a Broadway stage on Monday night. This renowned event celebrates exceptional achievement in high school theater performance, showcasing talent from across the United States.
Chris Hayes secured the title of Outstanding Lead Actor at the recent Nevada High School Musical Theatre Awards held at the Smith Center in May, while Marie Muñoz was honored with the title of Outstanding Lead Actress. This year marks a noteworthy return for Muñoz, who previously won the award and is therefore making her second consecutive appearance at the Jimmy Awards. Both students have been in New York for about a week, engaging in intensive preparation for their performances, including coaching and training with Broadway professionals.
Hayes described the opportunity to participate in such a significant event as surreal, indicating his anticipation in meeting industry professionals he has previously only encountered online. Muñoz noted that her experience from the previous year enhances her appreciation for the event this time around. The students are set to showcase their talents in front of an audience, with the performances being streamed live on the Jimmy Awards’ official YouTube and Facebook pages, starting at 4:30 PM.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by Broadway star Josh Groban and is set to livestream for free online starting at 7:30 PM ET on June 23. Fans and supporters of the arts can watch the event, which will also remain accessible online for three days post-ceremony, until June 26. The students will compete in various categories, vying for the titles of Best Performance by an Actor and Best Performance by an Actress.
The Jimmy Awards include a total of 110 nominees from 55 regional award programs. This program not only provides a platform for talented youth but has awarded over $6,000,000 in educational scholarships since its inception, fostering the next generation of performers and advocates for musical theater.
In addition to Hayes and Muñoz, Luke Martin, an alternate student from the Nevada competition, along with Kamille Johnson, received Spotlight Awards and will be prepared to perform should either Hayes or Muñoz be unable to participate.
The purpose of the Jimmy Awards extends beyond merely recognizing talent; it aims to elevate the profile of musical theater within schools, inspiring future performers and enthusiasts alike. As the event unfolds, it promises to celebrate the hard work and dedication of young actors while encouraging a deepened appreciation for the art of theater.
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Additional Resources
- KTNV: Las Vegas Students Prepare for Broadway
- Wikipedia: Jimmy Awards
- Playbill: Meet Your 2025 Jimmy Awards Nominees
- Google Search: National High School Musical Theatre Awards
- Broadway News: Nominees Announced for 2025 Jimmy Awards Ceremony
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Musical Theatre
- Broadway World: Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards
- Google News: Musical Theater News
