On June 27, the 5th Annual Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards Best Actor John Fredrickson from Guyer High School and Best Actress Kaiden Maines from Waxahachie High School were both presented scholarships at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy? Awards) in New York City. Unprecedented, Fredrickson placed as a finalist and both Fredrickson and Maines received scholarships of $2,500. Fredrickson?s scholarship is from the Barry and Fran Weissler Foundation, while Haines received a Special Recognition Scholarship presented by Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
John said of his time in New York, “The experience at the Jimmy Awards was unbelievable. It was such an honor and a privilege to represent the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards and finish as one of the top four finalists in the nation. The whole experience was surreal as well as life changing. I cannot be more thankful to DSM for their sponsorship and all of those who supported me through this entire process. The past ten days have been the best time of my life and I will miss it all because it was truly wonderful. Hooha!”
Kaiden enthused, “I had such an amazing time at the Jimmy Awards. I met so many talented people and was honored to be one of the six selected for a special recognition scholarship. I had so much fun making my Broadway debut on the Minskoff stage, and I can’t thank DSM enough for making this wonderful journey happen for me.?
A Broadway-focused talent showcase, the Jimmy Awards include performances by all sixty-two nominees and feature solos by each of the finalists. Those recognized also make their Broadway stage debut after nine days of rehearsals and private coaching from professionals at the New Studio on Broadway, NYU Tisch School of the Arts Department of Drama and others.
Dallas Summer Musical?s High School Musical Theatre Awards program is modeled after Broadway?s Tony Awards. It is the largest program of its kind in Texas and it is the second largest program of its kind in the United States.
More information on the students? experience in New York City is available through the DSM?s blog at dallassummermusicals.wordpress.com and the website at DSMHSMTA.org. For questions, contact Tracy Jordan at 214-413-3951 or tjordan@dallassummermusicals.org.