News Summary
Chris Hayes, a talented teenager from Las Vegas, has made history by winning the Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor. The ceremony took place at the Minskoff Theater in New York, where Hayes showcased his skills with a performance from ‘She Loves Me’. He is the first recipient from Nevada to win this honor and received a $25,000 scholarship to further his studies in musical theater. The awards celebrate young talent in the performing arts and encourage future generations of artists.
Las Vegas – Chris Hayes, a teenager from Las Vegas, has made history by winning the prestigious Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor at the 2025 National High School Musical Theatre Awards. The ceremony took place at the Minskoff Theater in New York on June 23, 2025. Hayes, a recent graduate of the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, is the first individual from Nevada to receive this top honor at the Jimmy Awards.
At the award ceremony, Hayes captivated the audience with a performance of “She Loves Me” from the 1963 Broadway musical of the same name. Alongside him, Elena Ferrante-Martin, his vocal coach and a performing arts educator, was recognized for her contributions to the community. The event celebrated outstanding achievements in theater arts and is presented by the Broadway League Foundation.
Hayes was selected from over 100 competitors who represented 55 regional programs from across the United States. Before the awards ceremony, he underwent a week of intensive training in New York City, participating in coaching sessions, Broadway workshops, and vocal training that prepared him for the stage.
In addition to the Jimmy Award, Hayes received a scholarship worth $25,000. He plans to utilize part of this scholarship to support gifts for deserving individuals and cover essential school supplies as he moves forward in his education. Hayes will be studying musical theater at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music, where he has already secured a full scholarship.
The Jimmy Awards, often referred to as the “Tony Awards” for high school students, have been recognizing and promoting excellence in youth theatre since their inception in 2009. Over the years, the program has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships and positively impacted approximately 130,000 students annually. Named after James M. Nederlander, a prominent Broadway producer and theater owner, the awards highlight student performances in acting, singing, and dancing, thus encouraging the theatrical aspirations of aspiring performers nationwide.
Hayes’ journey in theater began at the age of 14 with participation in community theater. His dedication and passion for performing arts have been evident throughout his artistic path, which included involvement in programs like the Broadway Kids Academy. His theater director, Michael Vojvodich, recognized Hayes for living and breathing theater, a testament to his commitment to the craft.
The recognition of both Hayes and Ferrante-Martin at the Jimmy Awards underlines the thriving arts community in Nevada and its continued support for young talent. The prestigious event not only rewards individual excellence but also highlights the importance of mentorship and education in the performing arts sector.
As Chris Hayes steps into a new chapter of his life, he brings with him the honor of being a groundbreaking representative for Nevada in the realm of high school theater arts, inspiring future generations of performers in the process.
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Additional Resources
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- Broadway.com: Top Honors at the 2025 Jimmy Awards
- ABC7: Jimmy Awards Celebration
- Wikipedia: Jimmy Awards
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
