Breyannah Tillman of Ridgeway High School and Paul Powers of Briarcrest Christian School proudly represented Memphis and the Mid-South Monday, June 27th, at the third annual National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City. Also called The Jimmy AwardsTM, the event took place at the Minskoff Theatre in the heart of Broadway.
Tillman and Powers were among fifty talented young performers from across the country who participated in this once in a life time opportunity. Activities commenced on Wednesday, June 22, with rehearsals, master classes, private coaching, and interviews with theater professionals, all leading up to last night's live awards show during which Miss Tillman was named one of the top three Outstanding Actress finalists.
Earlier this year on May 26, 2011, over 200 students representing high schools from across the Mid-South performed and accepted awards on the historic Orpheum stage during The Orpheum's 2nd Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards ceremony. Paul Powers took home the award for Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role for his performance as Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES, while Tillman was named Outstanding Actress in a Lead Role for her portrayal of Aida in AIDA.
A celebration of outstanding student achievement in high school musical theater, the National High School Musical Theater Awards was established by the Pittsburgh CLO and Nederlander Alliances, LLC. The program recognizes individual artistry in vocal, dance and acting performance, as well as honors teachers and their schools' commitment to excellence in performing arts education.
The National High School Musical Theater Awards are sponsored in part by Camp Broadway®, coming to The Orpheum Theatre July 25-29, 2011. Taught by Broadway professionals, this five-day program offers campers workshops in voice, dance, and acting, and concludes with a performance of a Broadway type musical production. Those interested in more information about Camp Broadway® should call 901-525-3000 or visit www.orpheum-memphis.com.
