Collaborative School of the Arts *

High school stars celebrated at eighth musical theatre awards

Collaborative School of the Arts spotlights student performances

SCHENECTADY–Students from 19 local high schools dazzled on stage as the Collaborative School of the Arts proudly hosted the eighth annual High School Musical Theatre Awards on the MainStage at Proctors, Saturday, May 4, in partnership with The Broadway League.

Abby DeGregory, Saratoga Springs High School, and Daniel Corme, South Glens Falls High School, took home the awards for Best Actress and Best Actor. The two winners will travel to New York City in the coming weeks to participate in the Jimmy Awards/National High School Musical Theatre Awards, June 24.

DeGregory starred as Pamela in the production of “Head Over Heels: High School Edition” and Corme as William Shakespeare in “Something Rotten!”

“The High School Musical Theatre Awards are not just a way to applaud spectacular performances, but also to recognize the profound impact of the arts in shaping the lives of our young performers, nurturing not only future stars but future leaders,” says Christine Sheehan, director of education for the Collaborative School of the Arts. 

Presented by the Daily Gazette and supporting sponsor Peregrine Engineering, the evening was a spectacular celebration of young talent, dedication and passion for the performing arts.

The show started with a medley of songs from “Gypsy,” “Jekyll and Hyde” and “Sweet Charity” featuring students from all the participating high schools before leading into an introduction from Jean Leonard, president of Proctors Collaborative and Stan Hudy, digital content producer from The Daily Gazette. Throughout the evening, the Best Musical nominees each performed a piece from their nominated productions. 

After intermission, the Best Actress and Best Actor nominees each performed a part of a song from their production as part of a medley. The winners for Best Actress and Best Actor were announced by last year’s winners Ashley Manocchi and Logan Esposito. Closing the show, featured students from all participating high schools performing “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray.” 

The Jimmys and HSMTA are modeled after the Tony Awards to recognize outstanding productions and students.

Winners of the 2024 High School Musical Theatre Awards: 

  • Best Set Construction:  
    “Legally Blonde” by Cohoes High School 
  • Best Technical Execution:  
    “Little Women” by Glens Falls High School 
  • Best Musical-Tier C:  
    Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” by Ballston Spa High School 
  • Best Ensemble:  
    “Anastasia: The Musical” by Mohonasen High School 
  • Best Choreography Execution: 
    “Anything Goes” by Shenendehowa High School 
  • Best Student Orchestra:  
    “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” by Albany High School 
  • Best Musical-Tier B:  
    “The Wizard of Oz” by Colonie High School 
  • Best Supporting Actress:  
    Sofia Rice as Amy March in “Little Women” 
    Glens Falls High School 
  • Best Supporting Actor:  
    ZuZu Evans as Maurice in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” 
    Ballston Spa High School 
  • Best Musical-Tier A:  
    “Little Women” by Glens Falls High School 
  • Best Actress:  
    Abby DeGregory as Pamela in “Head Over Heels: High School Edition” 
    Saratoga Springs High School 
  • Best Actor: 
    Daniel Corme as William Shakespeare in “Something Rotten!” 
    South Glens Falls High School 

The Collaborative School of the Arts is a part of Proctors Collaborative.