Kenny Ortega helped select winners at the Jerry Herman Awards, with Best Actor and Best Actress headed to the Jimmy Awards in June.
A familiar Disney name was back in the spotlight in Los Angeles as Kenny Ortega returned to the Jerry Herman Awards for an 11th year.
Ortega, known for directing projects such as High School Musical, Descendants, and Hocus Pocus, spent the evening supporting local musical theatre while the awards recognized top Los Angeles high school programs.. For him, the event is more than a tradition, as he framed it as part of a longer pathway for student performers.
In this context, the Jerry Herman Awards matter because they help set the stage for what comes next, giving standout students momentum heading into larger national competitions.
This year’s winners were chosen by a panel that included Ortega along with Nicole Parker, Eric Petersen, Cathy Rigby, Jeff Loeb, and Dana Ellis.. Ortega also noted how the selection connects to the Jimmy Awards in June, including the Best Actor and Best Actress categories that would travel to New York for the next round.
Kaleo Knight of Windward School took home Best Actress for her portrayal of Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown. She expressed excitement about New York, describing the trip as a preview before a real move connected to her plans for further study.
Meanwhile, wins like Knight’s show how school productions can turn into bigger opportunities, with the awards spotlighting talent well beyond a single night.
Jackson Wright from St. Francis High School won Best Actor after taking on the role of Tony in West Side Story. He described the moment as an honor and shared that he is looking ahead to the Jimmy Awards, with Broadway and New York City on his mind.
The Jerry Herman Awards serve as a stepping stone for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, commonly known as The Jimmy’s. Each year, the Best Actor and Best Actress winners join students from across the United States in the national competition.
The 17th annual Jimmy Awards are set for June 22 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre in New York City.
In the bigger picture, events like the Jerry Herman Awards can feel like a launchpad, turning rehearsals and auditions into real, time-sensitive chances for young performers.