Once a year, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts welcomes children interested in the world of entertainment to participate in the Dream Awards. This year-long program, open to all Palm Beach County schools, recognizes students’ skills in musical theater productions and culminates in an acting competition at Dreyfoos Hall in the Kravis Center. Those who stand out the most win a spot to perform on Broadway.
“The Dream Awards exemplify how the arts can propel young artists to new heights, and the Kravis Center is privileged to back local art educators and their students,” says Director of Education Tracy C. Butler, in a press release.
During this year’s awards, held June 4, more than 135 students from 15 high schools across the county competed to make it to New York City. Per program guidelines, schools chose from an approved list of productions to perform before judges like Crista Moore (Broadway, TV and Film Actress, singer, dancer and two-time Tony Award nominee), Lloyd Culbreath (choreographer and lead instructor for Fosse Master Class Series) and Kevin Covert (Broadway actor and chair of Musical Theater at Shenandoah Conservatory).
Fifteen awards from different categories were given to recognize students’ achievements in musical theater productions. Actors from Boca Raton fared well, with Maya Sharma from Saint Andrew’s School winning Outstanding Female Actress after playing the role of Ellie from “Freaky Friday” and Lucas Brown, from West Boca Raton Community High School, winning Outstanding Male Actor for his performance as Frank Abagnale Jr. from “Catch Me If You Can.” Awards in Outstanding Lead Actor Alternate, Outstanding Support Actor, Outstanding Ensemble Actor, Outstanding Ensemble Actress and Inspiring Theater Educator were also bestowed to other local participants.
On June 26, Sharma and Brown will head to Broadway’s Minskoff Theater where they will participate in the National High School Musical Theater Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, representing Palm Beach County.
“We take immense pride in Maya, Lucas and the other students who took part in the yearlong adjudication program, earning them the chance to showcase their talents at the Dream Awards,” says Butler. “This program illuminates the exceptional performing artists of the next generation within our community.”
Photo courtesy of Mary Stucchi
Maya Sharma (Outstanding Female Actress) and Lucas Brown (Outstanding Male Actor) at the 2023 Dream Awards.
For more information on the Kravis Center Dream Awards, visit jimmyawards.com.
For more information on the Kravis Center and its education programs, visit kravis.org.