Las Vegas Academy Graduate Wins Prestigious Jimmy Award

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A vibrant celebration of young talent at the Jimmy Awards

News Summary

Chris Hayes, a recent graduate from the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, has received the Best Performance by an Actor award at the Jimmy Awards for his role as Gaston in ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ He, along with fellow nominee Fabiola Caraballo Quijada, who won Best Performance by an Actress for ‘Big Fish,’ both received scholarships. The event recognizes the talents of high school performers nationwide and emphasizes the importance of musical theatre education, alongside honoring dedicated educators like Elena Ferrante-Martin.

Las Vegas Actor Recognized at 2025 Jimmy Awards

Las Vegas Academy of the Arts’ recent graduate Chris Hayes won the prestigious award for Best Performance by an Actor at the 16th Annual Jimmy Awards, held at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City on June 23, 2025. Hayes was honored for his portrayal of Gaston in the beloved musical “Beauty and the Beast.” Along with his award, he received a scholarship of $25,000 to further his educational pursuits.

In addition to Hayes, Fabiola Caraballo Quijada won the Best Performance by an Actress award for her compelling role as Sandra Bloom in “Big Fish.” Quijada also received a $25,000 scholarship for her achievements. The event showcased exceptional talent from across the nation, with 110 nominees selected from over 55 regional high school musical theatre programs.

The annual awards ceremony included a series of preparatory events for nominees, featuring private coaching, master classes, and rehearsals with industry professionals. The Jimmy Awards, also known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, aim to promote the value of musical theatre education and reward students and educators alike.

Recognition for Local Educator

In a nod to the dedicated individuals guiding young talent, Elena Ferrante-Martin from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas was honored with the 2025 Inspiring Educator Award. Each year, the Jimmy Awards celebrates two educators who have made a significant impact in the field of musical theatre education. Ferrante-Martin’s achievements highlight the vital role educators play in nurturing the next generation of performers.

A Celebration of Musical Theatre

The Jimmy Awards featured performances from the nominees, showcasing their skills and dedication to the art form. Participants underwent a theatre intensive in New York City where they received training from established Broadway professionals. Esteemed judges, including industry experts and Tony Award-winning producers, evaluated the students based on their performances.

The event, hosted by Tony nominee Josh Groban, emphasized the theme of dreams and the immigrant experience, which resonated throughout the acceptance speeches of the awardees. This year’s awards ceremony distributed several other honors, including Outstanding Performance in Ensemble Awards, a Best Dancer Award, and numerous awards of $2,500 across various categories.

Significance of the Jimmy Awards

Since its inception in 2009, the Jimmy Awards have facilitated over $6 million in scholarships, empowering high school students involved in musical theatre. This initiative plays an essential role in advocating for and elevating the profile of musical theatre programs in schools across the country. Participants are chosen from a pool of over 150,000 students involved in school theatre productions nationally, showcasing the incredible talent present in high schools.

The achievements of past Jimmy Awards participants have paved the way for numerous successful careers on Broadway, further solidifying the program’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing young talent in the performing arts.

The celebration of musical theatre at the Jimmy Awards not only acknowledges the hard work of students but also highlights the dedication of educators who inspire and guide them in their pursuit of excellence.