Download the kenny awards program - Shea`s Performing Arts Center

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 16, 2015
Media Contact: Lisa Grisanti (716) 725-7963
Education Contact: Holly Grant (716) 829-1171
THE KENNY AWARDS PROGRAM
Presented by Shea’s Performing Arts Center & The Lipke Foundation
Now Included In The National High School Musical Theatre Awards
The “JIMMY AWARDS”
Buffalo, NY -- Shea’s Performing Arts Center and The Lipke Foundation are proud to announce that the Annual Kenny Awards
Program, an endeavor that recognizes the talent, dedication, and efforts of local high school youth, will now participate in the
national “Jimmy Awards,” the National High School Musical Theatre Awards Program of The Broadway League.
Since the inception of the Kenny Awards Program at Shea’s, over 130 outstanding musical productions in local high schools have
been recognized and honored by the Kenny Awards. In its 23nd year, and now with its participation in the “Jimmy Awards,” the
Kenny Awards program continues to find new and creative ways to advance the program. It started with the ongoing expansion and
strengthening of the judging pool, including those with expertise in performance, technical production, set design and theatrical
direction/education – and continues with a commitment to increase opportunities for all high schools by increasing finalists from
seven to 10 schools in 2015-2016. Shea’s will continue to expand its Kenny Awards Program as it reviews the working models of
other organizations involved with the “Jimmy Awards.”
“We are very excited with the opportunity this program provides the students of the Buffalo Niagara Region. The Kenny Awards is
an integral part of Shea’s education program and now steps on to the national stage with our participation in the National High School
Musical Awards (Jimmy Awards)” said Anthony Conte, Shea’s President.
Shea’s is one of 30+ theatres and organizations nationwide participating in the National High School Musical Awards Program which
will allow the selected Best Actress and Best Actor of the Kenny Awards to win an all-expenses-paid, week-long trip to New York
City to compete in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in June, 2016.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will include rehearsals with Broadway actors and musicians, performances and other beneficial
experiences. The winners of the “Jimmy Awards” will each receive a $10,000 scholarship, and runner-ups receive $2,500
scholarships.
Applications for this year’s Kenny Awards Program will be accepted until October 16, 2015. This year’s Kenny Awards Program will
take place on May 14, 2016.
After viewing the productions of finalists, the Kenny judges will award the top schools and students for their efforts, including giving
“The Kenny” for Outstanding Musical Production.
The Kenny includes a $5,000 grant from the Lipke Foundation to be used solely by the school’s theatre department. Other awards
include categories for individual performances in leading and supporting roles, as well as areas of technical production, orchestration,
choreography, set design, and vocal performance.
In addition, this week: September 13 – 19, 2015 marks National Arts In Education Week. In 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives
passed resolution H.Con.Res 275, designating the second week of September as “Arts in Education Week.” This week we celebrate
the vital role that the arts play in educating youth.
For information on the Kenny Award Program, contact Shea’s Education Coordinator Holly Grant at (716) 829-1171 or
[email protected].
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Shea’s Mission Statement :
To restore and maintain Shea’s Buffalo Theatre for present and future generations to enjoy as a working historic theatre providing a
wide variety of live performing arts experiences for our patrons and innovative and effective educational experiences fostering an
appreciation of live theatre by area youth.