Princeton School’s Theatre Department, Teacher Nominated For Top NJ Awards

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton High School’s theatre department has received several nominations from Paper Mill Playhouse's 2023 statewide Rising Star Awards.

The theatre department’s “Newsies” received nominations and honorable mentions in several categories and drama teacher Julianna Krawiecki received a nomination in the “Outstanding Educator” category.

Each year, schools from across New Jersey compete to get their musicals noticed.

This year's nominees were announced on May 2. The winners will be announced live on June 13.

Here are the nominations Princeton High School’s theatre department received for “Newsies”:

• Outstanding Educator Award: Julianna Krawiecki
• Outstanding Scenic Achievement: Jeffrey Van Velsor, Bridget Schmidt
• Student Achievement Award: Isabella Kolleeny, Lead Painter, Costumes; Azlyn Haley, Head Carpenter; Sasha Stepanova, Lighting Designer. Honorable mentions - Lily Raphael, Production Stage Manager; Colin Lansky, Sound, Projections
• Outstanding Performance by an Orchestra Honorable Mention
• Outstanding Lighting Achievement Honorable Mention: Sasha Stepanova

In a statement to Patch, Krawiecki said she loved the story of the "Newsies" her whole life and it was a dream come true to work on the show.

"Everyone involved worked so hard and did a beautiful job putting the show together. I am honored to work alongside my creative team colleagues Bob Loughran, Vincent Metallo, Jeff Van Velsor, Bridget Schmidt, and Kelly Govak, and to work with such a talented and dedicated group of students at PHS," Krawiecki said.

"I thank Paper Mill Playhouse for this great honor and share every bit of recognition with my colleagues and students."

Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill Playhouse’s Producing Artistic Director, said that this year was "more competitive than ever,” in the state.

“A record 115 New Jersey high schools participated in this year’s Rising Star Awards and each of them are doing such excellent work," Hoebee said. "When a school is nominated for a Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star award it is a true testament of the hard work they put in to their high school musical. I congratulate them all.”

Tickets to the live Rising Star Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, June 13 will be made available to final nominees via their school contact.

The Rising Star Awards will be live-streamed for free on Tuesday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. Visit PaperMill.org for more information and log-in details.

Scholarship applicants and recipients will be notified by email the week of May 8.

To see a video of the nominations announcement click here.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com