Carson High School Sophomore and Musical Theatre Student Micah Giron, 16, was named Outstanding Lead Actor at the Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards (NVHSMTA) earlier this month, recognizing his exceptional performance and stage presence among top student performers from across the state. Emily Leonard of Spring Valley High School was named the outstanding lead actress.
Both students will travel to New York City to compete in the Jimmy Awards on June 22 for a chance at additional scholarship money. Giron is also the first Outstanding Lead winner from northern Nevada and the youngest winner in the history of the program.
Giron’s recognition as Outstanding Lead Actor places him among Nevada’s most accomplished high school performers and highlights the strength of Carson High School’s performing arts program. His winning performance was of “His Kiss, The Riot” from Hadestown Teen Addition.
Additionally, Giron’s classmate, Carson High Senior and Musical Theatre Student Devyn Kellner, 18, earned the Spirit of Broadway award for her performance of “Flowers” also from Hadestown: Teen Edition.
Kellner’s award was specifically selected by the program’s creative team of Broadway-experienced professionals who were asked to identify two students, in addition to their talent, who displayed exceptional commitment, camaraderie, support, responsibility and kindness throughout the NVHSMTA competition.
Giron and Kellner participated at the NVHSMTA as Carson High’s nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Lead Actress for their roles in the adjudicated production of Hadestown: Teen Edition. Giron played the role of Hades, and Kellner played the role of Eurydice.
The annual awards competition, held at The Smith Center, showcased the best high school musical theatre talent across the state and celebrated excellence in high school musical theatre, bringing together students, educators and industry professionals to honor outstanding achievements in acting, singing, dancing and production.
Giron and Kellner both participated in a two-day rehearsal and performance opportunity at The Smith Center, learning choreography and putting together vocals for an opening and closing ensemble number to be performed at the awards event.
The NVHSMTA fosters the next generation of musical theater performers, set, costume and lighting designers, stage managers, directors and theater technical crews. From this regional awards event, The Smith Center sends the two students selected as Best Actor and Best Actress to compete in New York City.
Participants experience a several-day theatrical boot camp consisting of private coaching, master classes and rehearsals with leading theater professionals. Their journey concludes with performing at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway, with a panel of industry experts selecting exceptional students for The Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress and Actor. Students receive opportunities for merit scholarships, professional advancement and other prizes.
