7/16/2021
Education and Outreach
Molly Martin can pinpoint the exact moment she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts.
This inspiration eventually led her to earning Outstanding Lead Actress at The Smith Center’s 2021 Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards.
“I was 6 years old and watching Sutton Foster perform in ‘Anything Goes’ in New York,” recalls Martin, a recent graduate of Green Valley High School. “I knew in that moment that I wanted to be on stage performing one day.”
Martin’s passion to perform is matched by Luis Gonzalez Galindo, a recent graduate of Rancho High School, who earned Outstanding Lead Actor at the 2021 Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards.
“I was fascinated by the movie adaptation of ‘Sweeney Todd’ at a young age, and vowed to do whatever it took to have a career in musical theater,” remembers Galindo, who counts Audra McDonald and Patti LuPone among his Broadway heroes.
Winning this event qualified both Martin and Galindo to represent their state as participants in this year’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Jimmy Awards®.
Held virtually for the first time in its 12-year history, the 2021 Jimmy Awards featured 72 nominees from 36 regions.
These top theater students participated in a theater intensive that included coaching and rehearsals with Broadway professionals, culminating in a one-night-only talent showcase.
Even though they didn’t have the chance to travel to New York for the traditional in-person experience, Martin and Galindo say they gained invaluable experience during the Jimmy Awards.
“It was a fantastic week,” says Martin, adding that the rigorous, 10-hour daily sessions didn’t feel like hard work.
“We were being immersed in something we both love,” she says.
Learning From Broadway Stars
Martin and Galindo say their Jimmy Awards experience was truly life changing, thanks to private coaching, master classes and rehearsals with top Broadway professionals.
“I learned a lot about musical theater and what it really takes to be a successful performer,” says Galindo, who worked with Broadway star Eden Espinoza (“Wicked,” “Rent,” “Brooklyn the Musical”) as his personal vocal coach for the entire week.
Feeling anxious about his singing at one point, Galindo says that Espinoza told him to “lead with your heart, and the voice will follow.”
“That is advice that I will take with me forever,” he says.
A guest speech by Broadway actor Rob McClure (“Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Beetlejuice,” “Something Rotten!”) was particularly inspirational for the two aspiring performers.
“He told us that the definition of success isn’t just about being on Broadway,” says Galindo. “It’s about the journey to Broadway, whatever capacity that may be.”
Hearing from this variety of theater professionals about their experiences getting to Broadway proved extremely helpful and eye-opening, Martin says.
“They told us the journey was all about waiting for your chance in line,” she says. “The rejection you will likely encounter is just part of the waiting game.”
Forming Friendships For Life
Before the Jimmy Awards, Martin and Galindo were strangers to each other.
Today, they consider each other to be a best friend.
“It was so much fun to share stories about growing up and loving theater,” Martin says. “We learned so much from each other, as well as from the other nominees.”
In August, both Martin and Galindo will embark on their college studies, with Martin pursuing a bachelor of fine arts in musical theater at Syracuse University, and Galindo a bachelor of fine arts in drama at New York University.
“We joke about how we’ll eventually both land in New York as struggling professionals and become roommates,” Martin says.
To learn how students and schools can get involved with the Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards, click here.