Local high school productions nominated for 5th Avenue Theatre Awards

Shows from Decatur, Federal Way, Thomas Jefferson and Todd Beamer earn nominations in multiple categories.

By Sarah Fox • June 17, 2022 6:30 am

The nominations for the 20th anniversary of the 5th Avenue Theatre Awards, four of which are from the Federal Way school district, were announced on June 14.

The 20th anniversary of The 5th Avenue Theatre Awards: Honoring High School Musicals streams live online at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 26.

“This Tony Awards-style annual ceremony was created by 5th Avenue Theatre Producing Artistic Director Bill Berry in 2003 to offer theater students the kind of support and recognition that accomplished high school athletes have received for decades,” the 5th Avenue Theatre stated in a news release.

High schools across the state submit their musicals for consideration by the 5th Avenue Awards Committee each year. This year, over 200 students will be honored in 11 categories from 83 live productions.

Celebrity guests and thought leaders from the surrounding area will present the awards to recipients throughout the online ceremony.

Thomas Jefferson High School’s production of “Working: The Musical” was nominated for several categories, including Outstanding Work by Students in Direction, Outstanding Work by Students in Music Direction, and Outstanding Work by Students in Choreography.

Jenny Speelman of Thomas Jefferson High School was also nominated for the Outstanding Work by a Performer in Supporting Role category in her roles of Kate Rushton/Housewife in “Working.”

The show’s number, “Millwork” was nominated for the Outstanding Work by Students in Production Numbers category.

Federal Way High School’s production of “Seussical Jr.” was nominated for the Outstanding Work by Students in Hair & Make-Up category.

Lesley Cadena of Todd Beamer High School was nominated for an honorable mention for the Outstanding Work by a Performer in a Leading Role category for her role of Annabeth in “The Lightning Thief.”

Decatur High School was nominated for the Outstanding Work by Students in Music Direction category for its production of “Godspell.”

Trenton Walker was nominated as an honorable mention for his role as Jesus in “Godspell.”

“A panel of acclaimed theater professionals selected by the committee visits high school productions across the state from urban districts to rural communities as far away as Spokane, Sequim, Walla Walla, and Vancouver,” the news release stated.

Evaluators will return from their evaluation tour this month to deliberate amongst themselves before the live award ceremony on June 26.

This year, the 5th will continue the tradition of honoring exceptional educators with a special recognition. In addition, the ceremony will “shine a light on an amazing senior from each participating school, with the special honor, ‘Senior Spotlight.’”

Many schools have stated that their involvement in this awards program has helped secure funding, improve their curriculum, and increase student participation in their programs.