A Night of Big Talent

The 2025–2026 ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the ASU Gammage stage came alive for one of the most fun, loudest, dance-filled and awe-inspiring nights of the year. The ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards brought together students, educators, families and arts supporters from across the Valley of the Sun to celebrate the incredible talent found in high school musical theater programs.

Each participating school performed one number from their musical and every student onstage gave it their all. The night was packed with unforgettable moments. There was a dancing SpongeBob, a chillingly brilliant Sweeney Todd, perfectly choreographed birds, laugh-out-loud moments from “A Musical” in Something Rotten!, a heartfelt medley from Hadestown and a glimpse into the world of demigods with The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Costumes wowed throughout the evening with Hello, Dolly! delivering some especially stunning looks.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night came when the finalists for Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress took the stage. Still processing the news that they were finalists, and Jimmy Awards nominees, they somehow found the courage to step forward and sing their hearts out. These students were brave, vulnerable and incredibly talented.

When it came time for the award’s ceremony, the energy in the theater shifted. As each category was announced and finalists were asked to stand, the room was filled with nervous anticipation. Win or lose, applause erupted as students cheered loudly for their peers. Tears and cheers filled the theater as winners were celebrated, reflecting the deep sense of community that defines this program.

The evening built to its final moment with the long-awaited announcement of Best Musical. A moment schools and students had been working towards all year had finally arrived, and you could feel the energy radiate throughout the theater as the envelope was opened. When Chaparral High School’s Hadestown: Teen Edition was called, the joy onstage was undeniable. The pride shared by the students and their teachers spoke to months of hard work, collaboration and passion.

An emotional peak was reached with the announcement of Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress. As the winners were revealed, balloons rained down and confetti filled the air while the audience erupted in celebration. Best Lead Actor Brayden Nesbitt of Chandler High School and Best Lead Actress Brooklyn Martin of Mountain Ridge High School took the stage visibly shaking with excitement, overwhelmed and thrilled by the moment. Their joy spread through the crowd, drawing thunderous applause.

These two remarkable students will now represent ASU Gammage at the Jimmy Awards in New York City this summer, carrying the energy of this unforgettable night with them.

2025–2026 ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards Winners

Best Musical
Chaparral High School, Hadestown: Teen Edition

Best Lead Actor
Brayden Nesbitt, Chandler High School

Best Lead Actress
Brooklyn Martin, Mountain Ridge High School

Best Supporting Actor
Devin Mock, Queen Creek High School

Best Supporting Actress
Georgia Woodford, Benjamin Franklin High School
Abigail Williams, Queen Creek High School

Best Vocalist
Katerina Anderson, Chaparral High School

Best Dance Ensemble
Xavier and Brophy Preparatory, “Hello, Little Girl” from Into the Woods

Best Set and Props
Chaparral High School, Hadestown: Teen Edition

Best Lighting
Xavier and Brophy Preparatory School, Into the Woods

Best Sound
Blue Ridge High School, Hello, Dolly!

Best Costumes
Queen Creek High School, Big Fish