The celebration and cultivation of young talent is vital to the theater industry, and shows such as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, known as the Jimmy Awards, are one example of this. Every year, high schoolers honored at their own regional ceremonies gather in New York to compete for national recognition — this year’s event took place June 26.
Between rigorous rehearsals and training sessions, Emily Marx (as Katherine Plumber in Newsies, Denmark High School) and Trevor Arnold (as Jack Kelly in Newsies, Ringgold High School) were given ample opportunity to learn from more experienced performers and refine their approach to their craft. The schedule for Jimmy nominees includes rehearsals on and off from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. interspersed with one-on-one coaching sessions and Q&As with guest speakers. They essentially have 10 days to mount a Broadway-ready production.
The nominees also had some time to enjoy New York. For example, the Broadway League arranged for all of them to attend Broadway productions such as MJ: The Musical and Some Like It Hot. According to Arnold, “Watching professional performers give their all into such spectacles of shows helped motivate us more for our personal performances in the Jimmy Awards while also promoting the idea of family and being in an ensemble.”
The experiences of Arnold and Marx exemplify what works about award shows. They present artists who are still early in their development with educational opportunities that they would otherwise never receive, while inspiring them to grow. Not only that, but the students also get a chance to represent their home states on a national stage. Marx’ and Arnold’s experiences will no doubt inspire droves of Georgia students to strive to become the next Jimmy Award nominees.
ArtsATL: What does it mean for you to be honored among the Jimmy Award nominees?
Trevor Arnold: It is truly a dream come true. To have the opportunity to be named a nominee in a national competition for performing is nothing short of spectacular. I’ve imagined performing on a Broadway stage my entire life. To say it is surreal would be an understatement. I want to dedicate my life to performing — to be an actor in film and stage alike. The Jimmy Awards is the perfect opportunity to show people who I am.
Emily Marx: To be nominated for and be able to attend the Jimmy Awards is truly one of the experiences of a lifetime and means the world to me. To be surrounded by such equally passionate and dedicated performers — as well as the incredible staff and production team — is inspiring to an unreal extent.
ArtsATL: What have you learned during this process?
Arnold: I have learned what true work ethic looks like. From the Shulers to the Jimmys, there’s never time to mess around — just to work on your craft. Constantly honing your abilities makes for a successful and fun experience, and I have thoroughly
enjoyed every second of the work I have put into the musicals I have done and the competitions I have been a part of.
Marx: I have learned so many things throughout this whole process leading up to Jimmys — both as an artist and a person. Experiencing what it takes to put together a full-scale production has truly been eye-opening. There are so many working parts and facets in the processes that I never anticipated.
ArtsATL: What kind of opportunities do you feel you’ve had for growth?
Arnold: Working with professionals in this industry has been the opportunity of a lifetime. We are learning invaluable information we could not learn anywhere else about acting, vocals, dancing and even life lessons. The work they are pushing us to do is intense but definitely worthwhile.
Marx: Learning through observation has been a big outlet for growth for me. To see 95 immensely talented artists express their own unique stories through theater reminds me of the beauty of the art form and pushes me to embrace my individuality. Having this safe space to take risks and feel free to explore new areas of our artistry is extraordinary.
ArtsATL: What advice would you give to future Jimmy nominees?
Arnold: Be ready to work! While the Jimmy Awards are an incredible experience, it is a very busy schedule that can be very tiring. Know how to pace yourself, when to give your all and when to conserve your energy. If you can do that, you’re in for an amazing time. It’s a huge opportunity that can open many doors.
Marx: If I could give advice to any future Jimmy nominees, I would say to always stay present and in the moment. Don’t think about the auditions at the end of the week or if you might get a solo in the closing number — just observe and take in the experience in front of you. There is so much to learn and so much to enjoy.
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Luke Evans is an Atlanta-based writer, critic and dramaturg. He covers theater for ArtsATL and Broadway World Atlanta and has worked with theaters such as the Alliance, Actor’s Express, Out Front Theatre and Woodstock Arts. He’s a graduate of Oglethorpe University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and the University of Houston, where he earned his master’s.
