Blumenthal Arts announced on May 4 the final nominees for the 2026 Blumey Awards, highlighting outstanding achievements by high school theater students from across the region.
The announcement marks a significant step in recognizing excellence in student performance, technical theater, and journalism. Students from 59 area schools were considered for nominations that span categories such as Best Actor, Best Actress, Student Orchestra, Stage Manager, Reporter, Set Designer, Costume Designer, Ensemble, Direction, Featured Performer, Supporting Actor and Actress, and Best Musical.
Best Actor and Best Actress nominees underwent a second round of auditions before casting professionals. Technical nominees presented portfolios to industry experts while student reporters were evaluated on written and digital submissions by local journalists including Alex Giles of WBTV and Donna Scott of Donna Scott Productions. Tom Gabbard, CEO of Blumenthal Arts said: “Every year, the students are absolutely exceptional. It’s the nuances that make someone stand out. Auditioning and presenting are snapshots in time, and in those moments these students brought something unique to the table that set them apart.”
In preparation for the awards ceremony on May 17 at Belk Theater—presented by Bank of America—nominees participated in hands-on training programs such as Blumey Bootcamp for performers and portfolio development workshops for technical categories. Andie Maloney, Chief Education Officer at Blumenthal Arts said: “The experience between the school productions and the ceremony is where so much growth happens. Students are refining their work getting one-on-one time with professionals and gaining real insight into what it takes to pursue the next level whether that’s on stage behind the scenes or in storytelling.”
At the ceremony finalists will play active roles including performing medleys (Best Actor/Actress), assisting backstage (Stage Managers), or covering event reporting (Student Reporters). Winners of Best Actor and Best Actress will represent Charlotte at New York City’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards—the Jimmy Awards—where previous Blumey alumni have found national success.
Blumenthal Arts operates four theaters in uptown Charlotte presenting Broadway seasons alongside concerts dance comedy immersive experiences education programs supporting more than 150000 students annually since its founding in 1992.
