Several Round Rock ISD high school theatre programs have received nominations for the 2025 Heller Awards for Young Artists, recognizing outstanding achievements in high school musical theatre. The awards ceremony will take place at The Long Center on April 16.
Cedar Ridge High School’s production of Catch Me If You Can earned nominations in multiple categories, including Best Production, Best Ensemble, and Best Direction. Nicholas N. (Frank Abagnale Jr.) was nominated for Best Lead Performer, while Elicie U. received a nomination for Best Featured Performer in the Ensemble Category. Additional nominations included Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, Best Music Direction, and Best Technical Execution.
McNeil High School’s Little Shop of Horrors received three Student Achievement nominations: Forest T. for Stage Management, Madelyn C. for Marketing, and Rylee M. for Design.
Round Rock High School’s Something Rotten garnered nominations for Best Choreography, Best Technical Execution, Best Ensemble, and Best Direction. Individual performance nominations included Merritt M. (Bea), Anna N. (Nostradamus), and Lyndal H. (Portia) for Best Supporting Performer – Female. Ryan C. (Nigel Bottom) was nominated for Best Supporting Performer – Male, while Kevin R. (William Shakespeare) and Walker W. (Nick Bottom) received nods for Best Lead Performer – Male. Reece C. was recognized with a Student Achievement nomination for Stage Management.
Westwood High School’s The Drowsy Chaperone was nominated for Best Production, Best Ensemble, and Best Costume Design. Elliott R. (Robert) and Vince P. (Adolpho) were recognized in the Best Lead and Best Supporting Performer – Male categories, respectively, while Sophia N. (Trix the Aviatrix) received a nomination for Best Featured Performer – Individual Category. Student Achievement nominations included Nathan S. for Stage Management, Natalie B. for Marketing, and Lucy B. for Design.
“We are proud of our programs for continuously creating high-caliber musical productions recognized by the greater central Texas community,” said Tim Lowke, Director of Fine Arts – Visual Arts at Round Rock ISD. “Our students and teachers work diligently to hone their craft. It’s amazing for their work to be held in such esteemed regard.”
The Heller Awards for Young Artists boosts visibility for high school musical theatre programs and produces a community-building event, celebrating the talent and discipline of thousands of students and educators in the Greater Austin area. Congratulations to all Round Rock ISD nominees on their achievements.
