Bravo! Two GCPS Theatre Programs win big at the Shuler Awards

Two Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) Theatre Programs and a GCPS student have earned Georgia Musical Theatre “Shuler” Awards. Justin Kimbo, a School of the Arts (SOTA) at Central Gwinnett High School student, won “Best Featured Performer” for his performance in Hadestown: Teen Edition. SOTA won “Best Overall Production” and “Standing Ovation” for Hadestown: Teen Edition. Duluth High School won “Standing Ovation” for The Drowsy Chaperone.

Kimbo says it feels amazing to earn this award. “I'm very grateful that I was able to participate in this experience. Being part of Hadestown and learning American Sign Language (ASL) opened my horizons as a performer,” Kimbo shares. “I want to attend college for Musical Theatre. Winning best featured performer helps my college process by building my resume and connecting with more professionals through the Broadway Dreams scholarship.”

Named in honor of Georgia native actor and singer Shuler Hensley, the Shuler Awards celebrate excellence in theatre at the high school level. At this level, the regional program selects one Best Actor and Actress Nominee to go on to compete at the National High School Musical Theatre “Jimmy” Awards.

Students who have participated in and competed at the Jimmy Awards have become successful artists on Broadway and beyond.

Before the group secured their win, SOTA was nominated for 10 categories at the Shuler Awards:

1. Direction: Lilliangina Quiñones
2. Music Direction: Imani Quiñones
3. Best Ensemble
4. Lighting Design: Jolene Braswell
5. Scenic Design: Michael Tarver 
6. Costume Design: Emily McClain
7. Featured Performer: Justin Kimbro
8. Leading Actress: Rhylee Mirus
9. Leading Actor:  Josué Martinez and Richie Appenzeller
10. Overall Production

Two SOTA students, Jolene Braswell and EmJ Fulford, have been awarded internships at the Aurora Theater in Lawrenceville. Josué Martinez, another SOTA student, also received the James Carlos Family Musical Theatre Performance Scholarship. The honor is a cash scholarship awarded to a deserving student exhibiting excellence in musical theatre and plans to pursue a career in the performing arts.

“It was an honor to be nominated alongside such wonderful theatre programs and directors,” says SOTA Drama Instructor Lilliangina Quiñones. “Working with the team at ArtsBridge and students from across the state was an enriching and positive experience for all of our SOTA students. Winning best overall performance was the icing on the cake!”

The Shuler Awards were broadcast by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Watch the musical event here.