On June 9, 2024, two Middleton High School (MHS) Theatre students will be representing their school at the annual Jerry Awards ceremony at Madison’s Overture Center. Owen Sehgal (11) and Ava Greenberg (10) have been selected to win Jerry Awards for their leading performances in the high school’s November production of “Urinetown.”
At the end of every high school theater season in Wisconsin, The Jerry Awards recognizes students from across the state who have demonstrated excellence in the performing arts through participation in their schools’ musicals. Throughout the year, professionals in the theater industry dedicate time to both attending and analyzing performances by high schoolers at participating schools. Once each school has put on its musical, these professionals begin to break down the quality of each performance into roles and categories. Students have the opportunity to be recognized for their efforts in either acting roles or technical design.
Immediately following their performances, schools receive a list of nominees– students and directors who are in the running to receive Jerry Awards in late spring.
The names and roles of the MHS Theatre students and faculty members who were nominated in November to win at the 2024 Jerry Awards are as follows:
For Outstanding Leading Performance, Sehgal who played Bobby Strong, Greenberg who played Hope Cladwell, Linus Ballard (11) who played Officer Lockstock, Reese Johanningmeier (12) who played Penelope Pennywise, Isa Killian (10) who played Little Sally and Liev Schiffman (11) who played Caldwell B. Cladwell were all nominated.
For Outstanding Supporting Performance, Rebekah Stine (11) who played Officer Barrel and Ben Freiberg (11) who played Hot Blades Harry received nominations.
Anna Wentzel, Adrian Strasma (12) and Jonathan Hagberg were nominated for Outstanding Scenic Design while Aydin Rosas (11) was nominated for Outstanding Lighting Design. Keira Marckel (12) and Star Tangwall (11) were nominated for Outstanding Costume Design and Lennon Maher (11) was nominated for Outstanding Wig/Hair and Make-up Design.
As a whole, the production was nominated to win Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Orchestra, Outstanding Stage Crew, Outstanding Direction and Choreography by Katrina Brunner and Outstanding Musical Direction by Jamie Pitt.
On May 15, 2024, the official list of Jerry Award winners was released to MHS Theatre students. The students who will be recognized at the 2024 Jerry Awards ceremony in June are Sehgal and Greenberg who played the leading roles of Bobby Strong and Hope Cladwell in “Urinetown.”
The theater program at MHS has historically been a radiating light of inspiration for participating students; this past school year has seen no exceptions to that fact. Whether they be interested in stage crew or acting, students’ talents shine under the spotlight at MHS Theatre.
