Nominations announced for Gene Kelly Awards

Nominees have been announced for the 30th Annual Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater, with winners to be revealed during a virtual awards ceremony streaming at 7:30 p.m. May 29.

Students from 31 Allegheny County high schools are participating in this year’s event, sponsored by Pittsburgh CLO, the HRH Foundation and the Michael J. Kara Family.

Students from any Allegheny County high school were eligible to participate, even if their schools did not produce a musical this year. Because many schools did not have musicals, no group categories are being adjudicated or awarded.

“Due to the pandemic, the nominees this year were evaluated through self-taped video auditions they submitted, often with the assistance of their participating school,” said Becca Ackner, Pittsburgh CLO public relations and marketing manager.

“While we can’t be together in person at the Benedum, gathering virtually will allow us to applaud the ingenuity and perseverance of students, teachers, and school communities,” said Executive Producer Mark Fleischer. “In a time when we need the arts the most, they have found new ways, despite seemly insurmountable obstacles, to ensure musical theater remained a part of their school year.”

Nominees in the four individual categories include:

Best Actor

Tyler Dumas, North Hills

Tyler Guinto-Brody, Elizabeth Forward

Zach Kautter, Central/Oakland Catholic

Logan Krushinski, Pine-Richland

Jonathan Parker, Westinghouse Arts Academy

Caedon Vogel, Elizabeth Forward

Best Actress

Gracie Campbell, West Allegheny

Georgia Dale, Springdale

Angelina Guadalupe, Elizabeth Forward

Audrey Logan, South Fayette

Ellie Troiani, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

Madison Vogel, Penn Hills

Best Supporting Actor

Broedy Geary, Westinghouse Arts Academy

Desmon Jackson, Woodland Hills

Matthew Luckiewicz, Central/Oakland Catholic

Maxwell Pratley, Baldwin

Dennis Thompson, Woodland Hills

Victor Williams, Pine-Richland

Best Supporting Actress

Elaine Gombos, Shady Side Academy

Isabella Gricar, Westinghouse Arts Academy

Katarina Hudock, Pine-Richland

Leah McConnell, Hampton

Jay Puff, Baldwin

Ellie Tongel, Plum

The Best Actor and Best Actress winners will participate in an arts education and professional development experience by competing at the national level with the Jimmy Awards, which will be held virtually and broadcast nationwide July 15.

Participating high schools included Avonworth, Baldwin, Bishop Canevin, Central/Oakland Catholic, Chartiers Valley, Deer Lakes, Elizabeth Forward, Hampton, Keystone Oaks, McKeesport Area, Montour, Moon Area, North Hills, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Penn Hills, Pine-Richland, Pittsburgh Allderdice, Pittsburgh CAPA, Plum Borough, Quaker Valley, Redeemer Lutheran School, Riverview, Serra Catholic, Sewickley Academy, Shady Side Academy, South Fayette, Springdale Junior-Senior High, Thomas Jefferson, West Allegheny, Westinghouse Arts Academy Charter School and Woodland Hills.

The judging panel comprised performing arts educators, arts administrators, entertainment professionals and performers.

Patterned after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Gene Kelly Awards were launched in 1991 to recognize and encourage student achievement, while focusing the attention of communities and school districts on the importance of musical theater and arts education.

Former winners include performers Zachary Quinto and Courtney Lopez.

For more information, call 412-281-2234, email gkawards@pittsburghclo.org or visit pittsburghclo.org.