The eighth annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards took place on June 27, 2016, at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway, hosted by Zachary Levi (She Loves Me).
This year it was 17 year-old Amina Faye from Charlotte,NC who took home the Best Performance by an Actress Award for her role as “Sarah” in Blumenthal Performing Arts High School’s Ragtime. Faye previously won the regional Blumey Award for Best Actress, which qualified her for the Jimmy Awards.
The competition features fifty-two high school students from across the United States vying for the Jimmy™ Award for Best Performance by an Actor and Actress. The talent showcase features ensemble and solo performances and also includes a week-long theatre intensive in New York City to prepare for the big day, which for most teenagers is the chance of a lifetime.
Getting the honor not only comes with bragging rights, but also a slew of opportunities for the winners to hone their craft. The Nederlander Organization presented both winners with a check for $10,000 to further their education. They are also eligible for a four-year merit and need-based scholarship to attend the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts New Studio on Broadway, contingent upon acceptance into the program.
Whats up next for Faye? She has plans to attend Penn State for Musical Theatre in the fall.
“Being a part of this has been incredible from start to finish,” said Faye. “I’ve always known this is what I love to do, but now I feel validated that I’m choosing the right path for my career.”
Congrats, Amina Faye; you are Broadway Black!