Austin’s Finest Young Talent Celebrated at 11th Annual Heller Awards for Young Artists

AUSTIN, Texas – The Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, TX, hosted the annual Heller Awards for Young Artists (HAYAs) this Wednesday, made even more successful by collaborative efforts with Texas Performing Arts and Impact Arts.

Young Stars Shine in the Lone Star State

Jamias Hughes from Lockhart High School and Ava Moak from Round Rock High School clinched the prestigious 2024 HAYA Awards. Their exceptional performances not only caught the local spotlight but also earned them representation at the national National High School Musical Theatre Awards, colloquially known as the Jimmy Awards, scheduled for June 24 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre in New York City.

Exemplary Performances and Broadway Dreams

Over 500 students hailing from 37 schools received honors in 19 categories, with training scholarships exceeding $20,000, made possible through programs by Impact Arts, such as the Texas Arts Project and Balance Dance Studios. Not only honing their performance skills, winners of the top 6 individual awards will further benefit from a consultation with Laura Maxwell Scott of Collier Talent Agency.

Various performances throughout the celebratory evening showcased excerpts from notable musicals including Sweeney Todd, The SpongeBob Musical, and The Addams Family. To the students’ delight, surprise messages from Broadway luminaries Jeremy Jordan and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi were played, extolling the young talents.

2024 HAYA Award Winners

Highlighting the award winners, among the individual category winners was Wyatt Gonzalez of Bastrop High School’s performance of ‘Enjolras’ from ‘Les Misérables. The ensemble category was dominated by Samuel Ferreira from Hutto High School with his role in ‘Chicago (Teen Edition)’. The coveted Lead Performers titles went to Ava Moak as ‘Mrs. Lovett’ in Sweeney Todd (School Edition) from Round Rock High School and Jamais Hughes as ‘Spongebob Squarepants’ in The Spongebob Musical from Lockhart High School.

Building the Next Generation of Theatre Artists

Since 2013, the Heller Awards for Young Artists have reached over 20,000 students and educators from more than 40 high schools. The year-round program provides vital support and resources for musical theatre programs, ending with a grand Tony Awards-styled ceremony at the Long Center. The initiative offers professional training, mentorship, performance opportunities, industry networking, and community building for countless young artists across the Greater Austin area.