Ben Vereen Awards

On Sunday, May 29,, the Balboa Theatre hosts the 2016 Ben Vereen Awards. Ten male and ten female nominees, chosen for their leading roles in local high school musicals, vie for the chance to represent San Diego at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards next month in New York.

Along with the competition in the Big Apple, finalists will experience “Camp Broadway,” a weeklong series of rehearsals, lectures, field trips “designed to prepare students for the NHSMTA/Jimmy Awards on Monday, June 27, at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre.” In effect, it’s a priceless immersion at the musical theater capital of the world.

The ceremony at the Balboa includes performances by all 20 nominees and group performances by the five Musical Production finalists as well.

INDIVIDUAL NOMINEES

Best Actor

Adam Trubitt, Scripps Ranch High School

Benjamin Shapiro, Coronado High School

Cameron Chang, Canyon Crest Academy

Cole Studebaker, Vista High School

Constantine Mickens, Canyon Crest Academy

Jake Bradford, Rancho Buena Vista High School

Jake Wascher, Coronado High School

Matthew Morris, Coronado High School

Samuel Brogadir, SD School of Creative and Performing Arts

Seann Altman, SD School of Creative and Performing Arts

Best Actress

Anna Machuca, Clairemont High School

Grace Newton, Academy of Our Lady of Peace

Haley Kerwin, Sage Creek High School

Jazley Genovese, SD School of Creative and Performing Arts

Jessica Morilak, San Dieguito Academy

Linsey Cryzewicz, Scripps Ranch High School

Mackenzie Scott, Rancho Buena Vista High School

Samantha Tullie, Canyon Crest Academy

Shea Gaulaudet, San Dieguito Academy

Sophie Cobarrugia, Westview High School

NOMINEES FOR BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION

Canyon Crest Academy for The Drowsy Chaperone

Coronado High School for Catch Me If You Can

La Jolla Country Day for Cinderella

San Dieguito Academy for Thoroughly Modern Millie

SD School of Creative and Performing Arts for Chicago

WINNERS OF WELLNESS THROUGH THE ARTS – “MY BEST DAY” essay

Bailey Woods, La Jolla Country Day

Erin Slane, Carlsbad High School

Savannah Welch, Rock Academy

Skylar Weatherford, SD School of Creative and Performing Arts

Yoon Kang, Rock Academy

WINNING HIGH SCHOOL THEATER DEPARTMENT VIDEO ESSAY

La Jolla High School

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benvereenawards, Sunday, May 29, at 6:00 p.m.