Milton Graduate Performs In National Musical Theater Awards

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Milton High School graduate McKenzie Kurtz and West Forsyth High School graduate Nick Eibler represented ArtsBridge Foundation this week at the 7th Annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards/ JimmyTM Awards competition in New York City.

The pair won the 2015 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – Shuler Hensley Awards for leading actor and leading actress, respectively.

McKenzie, who won the Shuler Award for her role as Mary Poppins in Milton High School’s production of Mary Poppins, and Nick, who won the Shuler Award for his role as Jimmy Winter in West Forsyth High School’s production of Nice Work if You Can Get It, performed in opening and closing ensembles and nominee medleys at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway.

“Learning from some of the top professionals on Broadway and participating as a nominee at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards was one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences of my life,” said McKenzie Kurtz.

McKenzie and Nick competed against 50 other students representing 25 cities from across the U.S.

“I am so thankful that I was able to accomplish one of my dreams of performing on Broadway,” said Nick Eibler. “I was honored to be able to learn from current Broadway performers, and will carry forward that knowledge as I pursue my musical theatre degree starting this fall.”

These talented young women and men participated in five days of private coaching, master classes and rehearsals with theatre professionals. Students received opportunities for scholarships, professional advancement and other prizes.

“Watching McKenzie and Nick throughout the Nationals program has been so inspiring,” said Natalie Barrow, director of education and community outreach, ArtsBridge Foundation. “Their dedication and work ethic proves once again how valuable arts education is in our student’s lives. McKenzie and Nick made life-long friends and networked with top casting professionals. I am so proud of how well they represented Georgia, and I am filled with excitement and anticipation as we kick-off the 2016 Shuler Season in July.”

Applications for the 2016 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards - Shuler Hensley Awards will be accepted starting in July with schools from across the state of Georgia selected to compete. The 2016 Shuler Awards will be presented on April 21, 2016, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Learn more about the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Shuler Hensley Awards and ArtsBridge Foundation on their respective websites.

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Photo credit: BenRosePhotography