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May 18, 2023

CHS Theater Department to participate in the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase

IHSMTA Full Cast Photo IHSMTA Distinguished Scene Photo

Ankeny Centennial High School’s theater department will participate in the 2023 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, in honor of the school’s achievements for its April production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a year-long education initiative, the Showcase will be held at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. and will recognize a total of 94 schools from across the entire state.

Ryan Henzi and Abby Fickbohm each earned Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role Awards and are eligible to participate in the Triple Threat Award program with other advanced performing students. In addition to a special performance at the showcase, students will audition for theater camp scholarships and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City this summer.

Ryan Henzi will perform an excerpt from his award-winning role in The 25 th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as William Barfée.

Additionally, select students will represent Ankeny Centennial High School by performing in a collaborative inter-school medley led by a guest Broadway music director and choreographer.

Ankeny Centennial will also be recognized with the following awards and honors:

  • Distinguished Scene – “The I Love You Song”
  • Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Rai San Martin as “Chip Tolentino”
  • Special Recognition for Achievement in Choreography – Kenzie Halbach,
  • Kaitlin Like, Rai San Martin, Drew Carter, & Caroline Trout

Tickets to the Showcase, which start at $15, will go on sale on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10 AM at DMPA.org, the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at 515-246-2300.

The Awards Showcase will be live-streamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special of the event on Friday, July 14 at 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday, July 16 at 1:00 p.m.