It was a special night at Tennessee Performing Arts Center on Satur day, May 25. The stage was set in Jackson Hall, the lights w ere bright, and the applause thundered as Alyssa Freeze of Coffee County Central High School and Ja yden Murphy of Nashville School of the Ar ts were selected as the Outstanding Lead Performers at the annual Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards, better known as the Spotlight Awards.
This prestigious recognition marks not only a moment of personal achievement for Alyssa, Jayden and all of the exceptional nominees and winners, but also a celebration of the vibrant theatrical community within Tennessee high schools. With 56 schools par ticipating in the Spotlight Awards, the event showcased the talents of young performers across the state, highlighting the dedication and passion they bring to the stage.
“Last year I was an understudy. I’ve never had a big role and it w as my first time doing it,” said Jayden Murphy Outstanding Lead Performer winner. “When I heard my name as one of the two winners, I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never had that feeling before!” The Spotlight Awards was a full circle moment for Jayden. “I was part of TPAC’s Disney Musicals in Schools when I was in kindergarten and performed
the Aristocrats,” shared Murphy. “I always said it was my dream to come back and perform at TPAC and be better than I was the last time.”
The award ceremony, hosted by TPAC, not only recognizes individual talent, but also fosters a sense of community and inclusivity within the Tennessee theatre scene. “The Spotlight Awards has provided me with the opportunity to grow, not only as a performer, but personally as well,” said Alyssa Freeze, Outstanding Lead Performer winner. “It’s allowed me to be part of a community that encourages growth for each of us.”
For Alyssa and Jayden, their stellar performances earned them the opportunity to represent Tennessee on the national stage at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards®, held in New York City in June. This is no small feat as they competed against top talent from across the country, vying for the title of Best Performance.
The Jimmy Awards isn’t just about competition; it’s about growth, learning, and camaraderie. Alyssa and Jayden, along with 100 other student nominees from 50 regional programs, embarked on a 12- day intensive program of workshops, rehearsals, and coaching led by Broadway artists and industry experts. Their experience culminated in a performance on Broadway at the Minskoff Theatre.
In the upcoming school year, students will begin their journey that culminates in the 2025 Spotlight Awards. Each participant, whether a winner or not, leaves with an unforgettable experience. Their talent, dedication, and passion for the arts serve as a shining example of the transformative power of theatrical storytelling.