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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5 Responses
Look at the incredible things KUSD is able to do with the arts budget you helped encourage people to slash. Interesting article for you to write.
Who encouraged people to slash KUSD’s art budget? I know that the majority of the voters agreed not to raise our taxes by over $100 million dollars. Your argument is disingenuous at best.
I’m glad it was slashed. KUSD as a whole is a waste of money.
Yes, all Kevin did was report the truth.The voters are the ones that chose to vote NOT to raise our taxes. Give him credit for reporting such a good story and acknowledging these kids accomplishments. Great story Kevin!
Great story. KUSD and St. Joseph High School have long had a strong theater and arts program. Arts education isn’t just about enrichment but also vocations. One kid I went to school with who was one of the stage crew guys wound up managing the Overture Center in Madison. Karen Olivo, who teaches at UW-Madison and Northwestern, played Anita in her high school’s production of West Side Story. She later won a Tony for playing the same role on Broadway. Phillipa Soo, Broadway’s Eliza Hamilton, is a graduate of Libertyville High School. Kate Baldwin from Shorewood High School won two Tony awards. Jessie, Abby, Matthew and Andrew Mueller got their start at Evanston Township High School. Kenosha’s Bethany Thomas has been featured in several Chicago area productions. Sorry for naming so many names but all of these folks got their start in high school. Bravo.