OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) — A Millard West graduate is getting ready to make her Broadway debut in just a couple of weeks.
Natalie Kersten was named “Best Actress” at the 2025 Nebraska Theater Academy Awards presented by Omaha Performing Arts.
She was nominated for her performance as Eponine in “Les Misérables.”
Kersten said when they announced her name at the awards show, she was shocked.
“I was very grateful,” Kersten said. “I didn’t believe it for the first 24 hours after that but the support from my friends and family really helped me process that information. It was an amazing experience.”
Lincoln East student Myles Hardt was named “Best Actor” at the awards.
The two students will represent Nebraska at the Broadway League Foundation’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, known as the Jimmy Awards®, in a performance held Monday, June 23, at the Minskoff Theatre in New York.
More than 100 students from across the United States will experience a week of coaching with Broadway artists and industry experts.
Kersten said once she gets to The Big Apple, she’s looking forward to working with professionals and other students who are passionate about performing. She said she’s also excited to see a Broadway show in the city.
This won’t be her first time visiting New York City.
“We took a quick three-day trip with my school, Millard West,” Kersten said. “We did Unified Frozen so that was very, very cool.”
Ahead of her week at the Jimmy’s, Kersten is performing on a local stage here in the Metro; playing the lead role of Jo March in “Little Women.”
“It’s really just been prepping me for constantly being on the go and using my voice,” Kersten said.
At the Jimmys, the students compete for top performance awards, along with additional awards and scholarships.
Kersten said she hopes to get a redefined passion for the arts after her week in New York.
“I’ve always loved performing but I think there’s always more to learn,” Kersten said. “I think going there will help me rediscover or light a fire that hasn’t been lit in me.”
Kersten is planning on moving to New York to pursue a career in musical theater in the future.
“I don’t see myself doing anything else.”
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