HS Theater shines in Spotlight Awards nominations
Congratulations to Riya Narayan ’23, Daniel Stark ’23, Andrew Wright ’23, Kari Belle King ’24, Zoe Volanakis ’23, Leah Joseph ’24, Ryleigh Thor ’23, Maya Giles ’23, and the entire “Little Shop of Horrors” cast and crew on earning nominations.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
The Peabody Players, University School of Nashville’s High School theater students, presented “Little Shop of Horrors” in November as the High School’s annual musical. The production captivated Spotlight Awards judges and earned USN a whopping 13 nominations.
The Spotlight Awards are presented by the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and are “dedicated to supporting the talents, educational endeavors, and friendships of high school theater students in Tennessee to build a strong and inclusive theater community,” according to TPAC’s website.
Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony held Saturday, May 13 hosted by Middle School Theater Director Bakari King. Here are USN’s nominations:
Outstanding Lead Performer: Riya Narayan ’23
Outstanding Lead Performer: Daniel Stark ’23
Crowd Pleaser Performances: “Little Shop of Horrors” Cast performing “Skid Row”
Outstanding Supporting Performer: Andrew Wright ’23
Outstanding Supporting Performer: Kari Belle King ’24
Outstanding Ensemble Performer: Zoe Volankis ’23
Outstanding Vocalist: Leah Joseph ’24
Outstanding Vocalist: Riya Narayan ’23
All-Star Cast: Daniel Stark ’23 & Zoe Volanakis ’23
Founder’s Award: Daniel Stark ’23
Special Recognition Award: “Little Shop of Horrors” Cast & Crew
Outstanding Sound Operation: “Little Shop of Horrors” Cast & Crew
All-Star Crew: Ryleigh Thor ’23 & Maya Giles ’23
“These young storytellers’ motivation and dedication surprises me every year. I am beyond thrilled for them to have the opportunity to perform the opening number of 'Little Shop of Horrors' on stage for their peers across Middle Tennessee,” High School Theater Director Lily Palmer shared. “The Spotlight Awards are such a fun time for theater students to come together, share their love of the art form, and marvel at each other’s hard work. It is the celebration of the year for these young thespians.”
"I feel incredibly honored to be nominated for Outstanding Supporting Performer," Kari Belle shared. "Given the number of schools participating, I think it’s so cool that I was picked out of so many other talented students in Nashville."
"I feel incredibly honored to be nominated for Outstanding Supporting Performer," Kari Belle shared. "Given the number of schools participating, I think it’s so cool that I was picked out of so many other talented students in Nashville."
During the awards ceremony, many nominees will take the stage and the two Spotlight Award Outstanding Lead Performer winners will have the opportunity to attend and perform at The Jimmy Awards where the nation’s leading student performers are recognized.
“I’m so excited to perform on stage,” Riya shared. “Last year I was able to perform on the TPAC stage, and it was a truly surreal experience getting to look out at the audience and see thousands of people.”
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Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.