Every year, Colorado’s version of the Tony Awards, the Bobby G High School Musical Theatre Awards, is held to recognize the outstanding talent of high school students across the state. Hosted by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), this event highlights the best in musical theater, from acting and directing to set design and choreography. This year’s event, held at the Ellie Caulkins Theatre in Downtown Denver on May 16, saw top performances and winners from various schools in Colorado.
The Event and Its Importance
The Bobby G Awards are considered a prestigious recognition for high school students who excel in musical theater. With 14 different categories, the event acknowledges a wide range of talents, from actors to behind-the-scenes artists like sound technicians, makeup artists, and choreographers. These awards are named after Robert Garner, a prominent figure in Colorado’s performing arts community, and they serve as a motivation for high school students to pursue their artistic dreams.
The winners are chosen by a team of judges who travel across the state to assess school productions. These judges grade the performances, leading to the final list of nominees and winners. This process gives students a platform to showcase their skills and hard work.
Lutheran High School Takes the Spotlight
One of the biggest winners this year was Lutheran High School in Parker. Their production of Newsies earned several nominations and won big in multiple categories. Grayson Graham, the lead actor in the show, took home the award for Best Male Actor. Graham, overwhelmed with the recognition, shared his surprise, saying, “I never thought I would be here in the first place.”
The school also won the award for Best Overall Musical, a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the production. Director Jillian Lietzau was honored with the Best Director award, which she dedicated to her students, saying, “God just blessed us to be here.” Lietzau also expressed how magical it was to hear the school’s name called three times during the event.
Awards for Excellence in Acting and Direction
Apart from Lutheran High School’s success, Fossil Ridge High School’s Hannah Schnorr took home the Best Female Actor award for her performance. Schnorr was thrilled by the recognition, saying, “It is such an honor. All of the nominees are so talented.” Both Schnorr and Graham are now preparing to compete in New York City for the national title against top performers from across the country.
The Impact of the Bobby G Awards
The Bobby G Awards not only recognize talent but also encourage students to pursue careers in the arts. For many of the students, like Schnorr and Graham, this recognition fuels their passion for acting and performance. Schnorr plans to pursue a career in the arts in college, while Graham, although still uncertain about his future, is now considering acting as a profession.
Both winners expressed gratitude for the opportunities the DCPA and the Bobby G Awards provide to students across all communities, celebrating the importance of arts and theater education.
The Bobby G Awards are more than just an awards ceremony; they are a celebration of youth talent, creativity, and dedication. The event highlights the growing importance of theater and arts programs in schools and encourages students to keep working toward their artistic dreams. For the winners, it’s not just about the awards, but the experience and recognition of their hard work in creating something special.