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WBLAHS student Emily Nies wins state theatre award
For
Immediate Release: June 14, 2012
WBLAS
Contact: Marisa Vette, 651-407-7695,
marisa.vette@isd624.org
Emily Nies, a senior next year at White Bear Lake Area High School
and who played the lead female role in the high school fall 2011 musical “How
to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, was named the Triple Threat Best
Actress by the Hennepin Theatre Trust SpotLight Musical Theatre Program. Nies
will represent Minnesota at the National High School Musical Theatre Jimmy
Awards event that will take place June 25 at the Minskoff Theatre in New York
City.
As part of the national process, Nies will get private coaching,
participate in master classes and rehearsals and compete for the opportunity to
receive the national Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress. Students
also receive opportunities for merit scholarships, professional advancement and
other prizes.
In addition to her participation in the White Bear Lake Area High
School Theatre Program, Nies has performed with Ashland Productions, the
University of Minnesota Opera Company and program spokesperson Linda Eder’s
SpotLight choir during Eder’s December show at the Pantages Theatre. She is a
part of O.U.T.T.A.K.E.S. through Ashland Productions, a group of young leaders
dedicated to bridging communities through performing arts initiatives. She
works primarily with Educational Outreach visiting elementary schools to get
young kids more involved with theatre.
“Emily is a true triple threat,” said Wendy Suoja, White Bear Lake
Area High School music teacher who directed the fall musical. “Her skills in
dancing, singing, and acting will represent Minnesota proudly at
nationals. The WBLAHS theatre program
values and prioritizes a work ethic that is positive, dedicated and extremely
diligent. Emily is a fine example of
those traits.”
The Triple Threat award results were announced during the Trust’s
June 11 SpotLight Showcase in Minneapolis, an annual celebration honoring
students from 56 Minnesota high schools for excellence in musical theatre.
White Bear Lake Area High School had a strong presence at the
event. Recent WBLAHS graduate Dylan Rugh, who played the lead male role in the
fall musical, was among the six finalists for Triple Threat Best Actor.
Additionally, the entire cast of “How to Succeed” participated as honored Outstanding
Overall Performance winners.
About Hennepin Theatre
Trust HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST, non-profit owner of the historic Orpheum, State,
Pantages and the newly developed New Century Theatres, is dedicated to
enriching the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Twin Cities. We present a rich
array of live performances, create inspiring arts education experiences and
advance a thriving cultural destination in downtown Minneapolis. Our programs
include Broadway touring productions, the Broadway Confidential series, our
SpotLight Musical Theatre Program for high schools, the Critical View student
reviewer program, our free ticket Access Program and Kids’ Night and leading
the planning for the cultural corridor that will extend from the Walker Art
Center to the Mississippi Riverfront.
Emily Nies, a senior next year at White Bear Lake Area High School
and who played the lead female role in the high school fall 2011 musical “How
to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, was named the Triple Threat Best
Actress by the Hennepin Theatre Trust SpotLight Musical Theatre Program. Nies
will represent Minnesota at the National High School Musical Theatre Jimmy
Awards event that will take place June 25 at the Minskoff Theatre in New York
City.
