Wichita Music Theatre
WICHITA – On April 24, Music Theatre Wichita hosted its 20th Annual Jester Awards, a program designed to celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre.
Out of 25 categories and 46 high schools nominated across the state, 29 total Jester Awards were given out with three going to Salina area high school students.
“After 20 years of honoring young actors across Kansas, we continue to be amazed at the talent we have in our local high school theatres,” said Brian J. Marcum, artistic director for Music Theatre Wichita. “It’s our true honor to put the spotlight on these schools and students who work so hard designing, directing and acting in local productions for our community’s entertainment.”
Saline County Jester Award recipients
Pre-high school performer: Olivia Swenson, Southeast of Saline High School, Seussical
Orchestra direction: Lindsay Modin, Salina Central High School, Anastasia
Design guest: Robin Hilt, Salina Central High School, Anastasia
The Jester Awards showcases the next generation of musical theatre talent in Kansas. Each year, trained volunteer judges attend and evaluate dozens of performances. This year, 61 judges viewed 147 performances of 49 productions, involving more than 2,900 students and 49 schools across the state of Kansas. The program began in Wichita, but now extends as far as Liberal, Hays, Salina, and Pittsburg, in addition to the greater Wichita area.
Alumni of the Jester Awards program can be seen onstage and backstage at Music Theatre Wichita this summer, as well as on Broadway and in regional theatres across the country.