Why Susan Lee Co-Founded the Jimmy Awards and the Roger Rees Awards

Education News

Why Susan Lee co-founded the Jimmy Awards and the Roger Rees Awards

These two awards played a crucial role in launching the careers of future Broadway stars and fostering a love of theater among young people.

Playbill has partnered with Inspired to create and amplify inspirational stories that advocate for access to arts and cultural experiences for young people across the country. The following article is written by the Situation Project team and adapted from their online publication Inspired. Click here to find out more.

The Jimmy Awards and Roger Rees Awards have long been celebrated as cornerstones of arts education, fostering a vibrant community that connects young talent to the prestige and excellence of Broadway. These awards, launched by co-founder Susan Lee, have not only propelled the careers of many young artists, but have also contributed significantly to the broader arts education landscape.

The Jimmy Awards, officially known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, were conceived in 2009, inspired by Jimmy Nederlander’s vision to nurture the next generation of theatrical talent. Susan Lee recalls, “It started with the idea of ​​celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Palace Theatre, but it quickly evolved into something much bigger. We brought talented kids from all over America to New York to celebrate the future of Broadway; a joyful, uncynical environment that captured the imagination of the theater industry.” This year’s Jimmy Awards, the 15th, were held on June 24. Damson Chola Jr. and Gretchen Shope were named the winners.

Since its inception, the Jimmy Awards have provided a national platform for high school theater programs, showcasing the immense talent found across the country. The initiative has not only celebrated young artists, but also inspired local performing arts centers to engage with their communities in new and exciting ways. “Broadway suddenly had a national platform to celebrate the importance of theater arts education,” Lee notes.

The impact of the Jimmy Awards extends far beyond the realm of Broadway. Many participants, even those who are not pursuing artistic careers, benefit greatly from this experience. Lee emphasizes: “The program provides students with greater opportunities to develop life skills such as leadership, presentation and camaraderie. These skills are invaluable whether or not they pursue a career in theater. »

Likewise, the Roger Rees Awards, named in honor of the esteemed actor and director, serve as a regional complement to the Jimmy Awards in New York State. These awards recognize excellence in high school musical theater and provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their talents on a premier stage. The Roger Rees Awards have become a vital part of fostering a greater appreciation of the arts among students and educators. The winners of the Roger Rees Awards then go to the Jimmys.

Both award programs emphasize the importance of exposure to the arts. Lee says, “Arts education is about creating a group of civilized and educated humans. It’s about teaching children empathy, cultural awareness and the importance of storytelling. These are fundamental skills that are not always taught in traditional academic settings.

One of the main benefits of these awards is the recognition they bring to theater and arts teachers. Lee expresses deep admiration for these unsung heroes: “Drama and arts teachers identify and encourage talented children from an early age. The Jimmy Awards elevated and validated their work, highlighting the vital role they play in the development of young artists. »

The impact of the Jimmy Awards and Roger Rees Awards is perhaps best illustrated by the successes of their participants. Renowned artists such as Reneé Rapp and Andrew Barth Feldman have emerged from these programs, demonstrating the profound influence these initiatives have on shaping future Broadway stars. “These awards have launched the careers of many incredible artists,” notes Lee. “But more importantly, they have given countless students a platform to explore their passions and gain confidence in their abilities.”

Looking ahead, the Jimmy Awards and Roger Rees Awards continue to inspire and empower the next generation of artists. Lee envisions a broader impact, saying, “Our hope is to engage more New Yorkers and people across the country, encouraging them to support and participate in theater. These awards are not just about celebrating talent; they aim to promote sustainable living. appreciation of the arts. »

At a time when the arts and the industry in general are facing many challenges, the Jimmy Awards and the Roger Rees Awards remind us of the vital role that arts education plays in our society and the transformative power it holds for young minds. As Lee says: “The arts provide a forum for students to become more of who they are. We need more of that.”

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