KENOSHA, Wis. — Students from Kenosha Unified School District are receiving statewide recognition for their achievements in musical theater, earning a wave of honors in the 2025 Jerry Awards, one of Wisconsin’s most prestigious programs celebrating excellence in high school performance arts.
Three KUSD productions—Six, Side by Side by Sondheim, and The Prince of Egypt—were among the most decorated this year, with accolades spanning lead performances, technical direction, choreography, and overall musical excellence. More than 100 high schools and community theaters from 31 counties participated in the annual competition, which distributed over 500 awards for outstanding musical theater productions and individual contributions.
The Jerry Awards, named after arts benefactor W. Jerome Frautschi, were launched in 2009 and have grown to become a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s performing arts scene for youth. This year’s winners from Kenosha included both seasoned performers and technical crew members whose behind-the-scenes work helped bring elaborate productions to life.
Indian Trail High School and Academy led the local wins, with its production of Side by Side by Sondheim earning an “Outstanding Musical” award. Audrey Gahart of Indian Trail took home honors for both Outstanding Supporting Performer (Side by Side by Sondheim) and Outstanding Lead Performer (Six), showcasing a rare versatility across roles and productions. Fellow Indian Trail student Jaylese Smith and LakeView’s Stephen Stockholm also earned Outstanding Lead Performer awards for their roles in The Prince of Egypt.
Director Kristen Singer was especially lauded, winning awards for direction, choreography, musical direction (alongside Rita Gentile), and costume design—testament to the strong leadership behind the school’s standout performances. Additional technical awards for lighting, sound, and set design went to multiple collaborators, including Alex Kudrna and Elizabeth Schuch.
Students from Bradford High School were also recognized, with Sara ReaLopez earning a Spirit Award for Six, and Hannah Hardcastle receiving an Outstanding Lead Performer nod for her role in Side by Side by Sondheim.
“I continue to be impressed at the high quality of high school musical theater programs across our state,” said Tim Sauers, co-CEO and Chief Artistic Experiences Officer for the program. “I applaud them all for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that students have access to musical theater and the opportunity to excel.”
The Jerry Awards are coordinated through partnerships with the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and The Grand Theater, with professional reviewers attending performances statewide to assess and provide constructive feedback to young artists.
With a stage full of awards, Kenosha Unified’s theater students once again demonstrated that local talent can shine on a statewide stage—and beyond.
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Award Recipients from KUSD
Student Award Winners
Bradford High School
- Sara ReaLopez – Spirit Award (Six)
- Hannah Hardcastle – Outstanding Lead Performer (Side by Side by Sondheim)
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Indian Trail High School and Academy
- Audrey Gahart – Outstanding Lead Performer (Six); Outstanding Supporting Performer (Side by Side by Sondheim)
- Alivia Harper – Spirit Award (The Prince of Egypt)
- Ezarria Papouet-Richardeau – Spirit Award (The Prince of Egypt)
- Jaylese Smith – Outstanding Lead Performer (The Prince of Egypt)
- Emmanuelle Rios – Outstanding Lead Performer (The Prince of Egypt)
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LakeView Technology Academy
- Stephen Stockholm – Outstanding Lead Performer (The Prince of Egypt)
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Production and Technical Crew Honors
- Kristen Singer – Direction (Side by Side by Sondheim and The Prince of Egypt), Musical Direction (w/ Rita Gentile), Choreography, Costume Design
- Rita Gentile – Musical Direction (Side by Side by Sondheim, The Prince of Egypt)
- Craig Miller – Choreography (The Prince of Egypt)
- Alex Kudrna – Technical Direction (Side by Side by Sondheim, The Prince of Egypt)
- Blair Meeker – Lighting Design (Side by Side by Sondheim)
- Jessica Baker – Lighting Design (The Prince of Egypt)
- Elizabeth E. Schuch – Set Design (The Prince of Egypt)
- Eric Mielke – Sound Design (Side by Side by Sondheim, The Prince of Egypt)
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