As we set the stage for the 2026-27 school year, we are looking back on the 11th year of the Dazzle Awards presented by Pat and John Chapman. This past year, the Dazzle Awards had a record-breaking 44 schools participate in the program.
Every year, the Dazzle Awards sends its Best Actor and Best Actress winners to the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Jimmy Awards, presented by The Broadway League Foundation. This year our Dazzle Award Winners joined 114 fellow nominees from across the country where they developed new skills and celebrated educational theater. Students receive two weeks of immersive training from industry professionals, and their time culminates in a full-scale Broadway production and musical theater showcase at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City.
We sat down with Best Actress Legend Young and Best Actor Tony Fritzgerald III to hear about their experiences at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, and their dazzling moments performing on Broadway at the Jimmy Awards.
PSQ: What are your memories from Dazzle Awards rehearsal week and the ceremony itself?
Legend: The Dazzle Awards rehearsals were so much fun. I always love making new friends. Getting to see my headshot around downtown Cleveland was so amazing. The Dazzle Award ceremony itself was so fun and energetic. The crowd is always insane (in a good way), and I love when the energy we give on stage is reciprocated from the crowd.
Tony: My favorite memories were definitely the moments I shared with the people around me. That was a very impactful part of the Dazzle Awards last year. However, what made this year different was that there was a bigger group of people. That meant I got to make more friendships, inside jokes, connections with the rest of the nominees and participants. What was also really special about this year was that I got to spend my final year as a nominee/high school participant with the close friends I made and met last year. It's beautiful how the Dazzle Awards connects people - specifically with an art form like musical theater. My favorite thing about the night is how no matter what happens, it's a celebration of artists, a celebration of a fantastic group of artists doing what they love.
PSQ: What was your reaction when they announced your name as Best Actor/Best Actress?
Legend: My reaction when my name was announced for Best Actress was disbelief. Everything happened so fast, and it was hard for me to believe. I cried so many tears of joy, and I was so full of gratitude.
Tony: I was absolutely filled with a plethora of emotions. I remember last year when they called my name, I was in utter shock. And this year was even more of a shock, but I was more just overwhelmed with gratitude. I was so overjoyed and grateful to not only represent my city once at the Jimmy Awards, but twice. I am still so grateful!
PSQ: Tell us about the Jimmy Awards rehearsals! What moments stick out from those days before the actual ceremony?
Legend: The Jimmy Award rehearsals were so much fun, but also very demanding. A moment that stuck out to me during rehearsals before the ceremony was noticing how much everyone genuinely cared for each other. During such a busy and tight schedule, there was always so much encouragement in the room. From friends, staff, directors, and everyone in general. There was never a time when I felt alone, or not good enough. Everyone was there to uplift and motivate you.
Tony: What I loved the most was the informationals we got to listen to. They truly opened my eyes to all the possibilities as an artist and a performer. I also loved when alumni came and spoke to us about their experience. It was really insightful to see people who were in my shoes and also their paths after the Jimmy Awards.
PSQ: What was the most valuable/impactful piece of advice you received from your Broadway mentor or the other industry professionals that you worked with?
Legend: One of the most valuable pieces of advice I've received from an industry professional at the Jimmy Awards was to expect the unexpected when it comes to your career in musical theater. Your journey won't be one straight line, it will most likely be a zigzag, or even a winding line. Your journey will have twists and turns, and most importantly, it will take time. But every door that closes leads to another door that will open. Everything that happens is for a reason, and ultimately, you will end up where you are meant to be.
Tony: One really insightful time I had with a mentor was working with Luis Salgado who choreographed the opening and closing number. His piece of advice to us was how to find the joy in art. He always instructed us to play and find connection in each moment. In all honesty, it made the rehearsals more joyful. I really loved how he made something I love so much even more fun to do.
PSQ: What number from the Jimmy Awards Ceremony was your favorite to perform?
Legend: My favorite number to perform at the Jimmy Awards ceremony had to be the opening number! There was a whole lot of choreography, but it was so much fun doing it with the people I love. It was so amazing rehearsing for this moment for two whole weeks, and to finally feel the rush of energy and pure joy everyone had talked about. Performing on a Broadway stage, and seeing the crowd full of excitement, was an unforgettable experience.
Tony: My favorite number to perform was definitely the opening number. The opening had so much energy and so many moments to connect with the fellow nominees. There was just so much joy, and I loved all the songs. My favorite moment was definitely the Ragtime moment. It's my favorite musical and to pay tribute to that in the opening was definitely a highlight.
PSQ: What advice can you give to future Dazzle Award & Jimmy Award nominees?
Legend: My advice for future Dazzle Award/Jimmy Award nominees is to enjoy every second and every moment. Take everything in from this experience, and please don't take anything for granted. The process goes so quickly that it can be hard to actually realize what's going on but be sure to take it all in- and most importantly have fun!
Tony: Winning is not just receiving an award. To be a winner, you have to be disciplined, flexible, but most importantly, a kind person. The way you treat others, the way you act behind the scenes, and the way you act when you don’t get what you hope for makes you a real winner. Whether you win an award or not, be kind.
PSQ: What from this experience will you be taking with you into the future?
Legend: I've learned so much from my experience at the Dazzle Awards and the Jimmy Awards. But one thing that I will continue to remember is that there will always be a place for you. A place for you to feel worthy and loved. And most importantly, never doubt yourself because you are special and like no other.
Tony: Heading to the Jimmy Awards for a second time hit completely differently this year. Returning to this stage reminded me of a truth that will stick with me forever: when you give everything you've got to what you love, the reward is pure magic. Seeing the relentless dedication, grit and passion in every single artist around me showed me just how bright the future of theater really is. Going back as a returning student gave me a whole new appreciation for the power we hold as young artists. Moving forward, I’m bringing 100% joy, heart, and determination into everything I do in college and beyond.
A huge thank you to Playhouse Square, The Dazzle Awards and The Jimmy Awards for another life-changing chapter. I am endlessly grateful!
PSQ: What is next for you both?
Legend: Next, I will be attending Kent State University to continue my studies in musical theater.
Tony: I am going to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music pursuing a degree in Music Theater and a minor in communications. I cannot wait to push myself, improve as a performer, but most importantly become a better person and be involved in my community. I am super excited for the adventure, and I cannot wait to take what I learned from the Dazzle Awards and the Jimmy Awards to be successful in this prestigious program!
To learn more about the Dazzle Awards program, please visit playhousesquare.org/dazzleawards and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @dazzleawards.