OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Many of Nebraska’s brightest young performers were in Omaha for the Nebraska Theater Academy Awards on Saturday.
In the 12th year of the Tony Awards-inspired celebration, nearly 500 students performed throughout the show.
During the week, students were preparing with masterclasses and rehearsals for the big performance.
Awards highlighted outstanding productions, top performers and ensembles, educators, and excellence behind the scenes.
“Knowing that they are performing in the same space as so many Broadway artists, it’s just the biggest thrill for them. Knowing that I’m performing on a stage of people that inspire me and I’m performing to inspire other people,” Omaha Performing Arts Senior Manager of Education Taylor Wyatt said.
Two of the biggest awards of the night went to Natalie Kersten from Millard West High School and Myles Hardt from Lincoln East High School.

They will be heading to New York City in June to make their Broadway debuts representing the state of Nebraska at the National High School Theater Awards.
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