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Aspire Performing Arts Company Receives 12 Awards and 26 Additional Nominations From National Youth Arts

originally published: 08/09/2019


(WAYNE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company (PAC) announced that it recently received 12 awards and an additional 26 nominations from National Youth Arts (NYA). Now in its 19th year, NYA celebrates the best of youth arts throughout the country. Aspire PAC joined NYA as a member theater in 2016 and this was the company’s third year of eligibility for award consideration.

Aspire PAC received awards and nominations for all five of its 2018-19 productions: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Disney’s The Lion King JR., Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. (pilot production), Mamma Mia!, and Once on this Island JR.

This year, more than 700 productions were considered for the awards, including shows from 240 different members spanning 17 states, Canada, and the UK. Award winners were selected from nominations by a panel of more than 50 judges and reviewers. Award ceremonies are currently being held in different regions of the country including Arizona, California, Colorado, Virginia, and New York.

On Sunday, July 28, 12 Aspire PAC members attended the Eastern Regional Ceremony, held at the Riverdale YM-YWHA in the Bronx. Leighann Albanese and Erin Smith opened the show with “Only in New York” from Thoroughly Modern Millie, reprising the role of Muzzy van Hossmere, which they shared in Aspire PAC’s 2018 production.Lillian Kopacz and Allison Paterno later performed “Naughty” from Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR., in which both starred as Matilda. All four received awards for these roles during the ceremony.

Scroll down for the list of award winners and nominations.




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Awards were received in the following categories:

 

Aspire PAC Artistic Director Lisa Beth Vettoso said “I continue to be in awe of National Youth Arts and the time and effort the organization puts into recognizing the talents of young performers across the country. These awards and nominations celebrate our actors’ hard work and dedication, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved.”

Full Nomination List:

Aspire PAC’s mission is to provide educational workshops and production opportunities for children and teens, offering a professional arts experience in a friendly atmosphere. For more information about Aspire PAC and its upcoming programs, visit www.aspirepac.com or call 201-220-4933.




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