The curtain is set to rise this weekend on an exhilarating celebration of young talent in San Diego—the Broadway San Diego Awards. Scheduled for Sunday, May 25th at 6pm, this event will spotlight 20 outstanding high school performers who will showcase their singing, dancing, and acting prowess for a chance to shine on a Broadway stage at the prestigious Jimmy Awards® in New York City.
These remarkable teens have been handpicked from various schools across the country and have undergone a rigorous week-long rehearsal intensive to prepare for this pivotal moment in their theatrical careers. As they prepare for their performances, these triple threats are geared up to captivate audiences, sharing their love for the stage and the transformative power of theatre.
In a lead-up to the awards, we took the opportunity to connect with each finalist to gain insight into how their experiences in theatre have shaped them, uncovering surprising lessons and self-discoveries along their journeys.
Chase Boertje from Carlsbad High School reflects on a profound transformation throughout his time in theatre. Initially drawn to the spotlight for attention, he has discovered a deeper calling in sharing kindness through performance. “The most surprising thing was how deeply my narrative would be changed,” he shares, illustrating the positive impact that theatre has had on his perspective and purpose.
Isabella Burer from Santa Fe Christian School notes the empowering nature of pursuing dreams, stating, “Dreams are scary, but this is a good thing, an empowering thing. The scariness keeps me growing and has taught me that these dreams are worth pushing through.”
Audrey Carter of Steele Canyon Charter High School highlights her passion for understanding others through the characters she plays. “I love poring over the script and trying to fully understand my character and their perspective,” she explains, emphasizing the insightful connections theatre fosters among individuals.
Bruno Dominguez Martinez from the Coronado School of the Arts expresses his appreciation for the emotional fluidity within theatre, sharing that it is “easy to switch characters and go from emotion to emotion.” He finds joy in the enriching environment collaborations within the art bring.
Zara Exconde, hailing from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, describes theatre as her lifeline, stating, “Participating in lessons, rehearsals, and performances is the most awakening full-body and mind experience. I use this art form as an outlet and an escape from my crazy reality and life.”
Mt. Carmel High School’s Chloe Flores highlights her journey towards embracing imperfections. “Every show, performance, and performer are different, and that’s what makes theatre, theatre. As a perfectionist, it took me a long time to accept that about myself,” she remarks, celebrating the beauty in unpredictability and personal growth that theatre ushers in.
Benji Fox from Canyon Crest Academy expresses how theatre has been a constant in his life since childhood, providing him with opportunities to grow and embrace his energetic personality. “I’ve learned that my energy is nothing to be ashamed of; it’s a fuel for what is to come next,” he states.
For Anna Jacobsen of St. Augustine High School, theatre has changed her perspective on love and life. She notes, “It requires discipline and dedication, but it is the most rewarding. I’m surprised by how much it has changed who I am and made me stronger and able to express my emotions.”
Max Leadley, also from St. Augustine High School, shares that he has learned the value of authenticity while portraying characters. “Playing a character is not entirely forgetting yourself but bringing elements of yourself and a special touch to each role,” he explains.
Justin Lee from La Costa Canyon High School shares a remarkable transformation from introversion to confidence through theatre. “Once an introvert, I was afraid to introduce myself to others. Now, throw me on a stage and I’ll completely morph into a goofball or the devil depending on the role,” he reveals, showing how theatre has shaped his social interactions.
Curren Martin from San Dieguito High School Academy acknowledges his previous fears of singing, stating, “I’ve always loved theatre but have had SUCH a phobia of singing. Theatre has taught me how to come out of my shell and have the courage to perform despite my fear!”
Elijah May from Cathedral Catholic High School discovered a new side of himself through social interactions. “I enjoy interacting with different kinds of people and making people laugh, something my introverted, covid-quarantining self never would have,” he shares, illustrating the bonding experiences fostered through theatre.
Aidan McCarty of San Dieguito High School Academy uncovered the power of voice beyond singing. “I’ve learned that my voice can sing in a way I’ve never thought I could and that my voice isn’t the only way to express myself,” he mentions, shedding light on the multifaceted abilities discovered through performance.
Corinne Milling from Poway High School has found joy in teaching, stating, “I’ve learned how much I enjoy teaching and helping people learn to love the things I love and how incredible it is to bring a show to life with family.” Her passion for sharing her love of theatre with others reflects a true sense of community.
Katie Moreno, from the Coronado School of the Arts, eloquently describes resilience as a profound learning experience. After enduring major back surgery in her sophomore year, she pressed on with determination, saying, “It took a lot of hard work and focus, but now as a senior, I am so grateful to be playing the lead in a musical that is very special to me – CABARET.”
Andrew Nagby of West Hills High School emphasizes the importance of confidence, stating, “I learned that confidence is 90% of music, but also life. I’ve never really had confidence myself, but as soon as I got up on stage and realized that maybe I didn’t have confidence, my character did, and if they can do it, so could I.”
Maximo Paniagua from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts expresses a continuous journey of self-discovery through acting. “In every character I’ve played in my seven years in theatre, I learn something new about who I am during the process of the character’s development.”
Noah Segal of Carlsbad High School has developed a newfound love for storytelling through theatre. He shares, “Through theatre, I was surprised to find how much I loved storytelling. The ability to provoke emotions in others and bring stories to reality—that’s something I never thought I’d want to do for life.”
Mira Singh from The Bishop’s School reflects on the transformative nature of her experiences, revealing that her weaknesses have become strengths. “All I have experienced—the highs, the lows, triumphs, and losses—can be used to enrich my ability to tell a story,” she articulates.
Finally, Laila Varner from The Rock Academy emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in the world of theatre. “I’ve learned how important communication and teamwork are!”
As these talented young performers gear up for the Broadway San Diego Awards, they each carry unique stories and experiences that highlight not only their individual journeys but the profound impact theatre has on youth. Come out and support these nominees on Sunday, May 25th at 6pm, and witness firsthand who will earn the opportunity to take the stage at the Jimmy Awards® in New York City. For ticket information, please visit the Broadway San Diego Awards website.
image source from：https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-diego/article/Feature-San-Diegos-Rising-Stars-Take-Center-Stage-at-The-BROADWAY-SAN-DIEGO-AWARDS-20250523
