Wantagh Theatre Earns Prestigious Award For 'Rent School Edition'

WANTAGH, NY — Wantagh Theatre has received an award for its production of "Rent School Edition."

The theater program said Thursday it earned the PlayBillder Award during the virtually-held Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance. The award, presented by Broadway actor Andrew Barth Feldman of "Dear Evan Hansen," recognizes school theater programs for their comprehensive and engaging marketing plans, including a Broadway-quality playbill or program.

Wantagh Theatre will receive a free PlayBillder license, a friend copy of the commemorative program and a $500 stipend for Wantagh High School's computer department to generate future playbill programs.

Heather Naughton, adviser for the theater, thanked the award committee for their recognition. She said the playbill program is a "timesaver for such a quality product." Ad sales in the playbill generate $10,000 a year, which is used for future performances and the district's theater program.

Previously, Wantagh High School thespians Kyra Orgass and John Sileo were nominated for the 2020 Roger Rees Awards for best actor and best actress for their performances in "Rent School Edition," which was held Nov. 21-23. John played Roger Davis, an HIV positive songwriter and musician and boyfriend to Mimi, played by Kyra.

The award is sponsored by the Disney Theatrical Group and the Broadway Education Alliance and in association with Camp Broadway LLC. It is a New York metro student-award program which recognizes excellence and distinction in high school musical theater. Audio videos of the students’ performances were evaluated by a panel comprised of theater industry professionals to determine the top 25 female and male nominees. Finalists and winners were announced during the online awards presentation on June 1, held on the Broadway Education Alliance YouTube channel.

The Wantagh School District congratulated Naughton and members of Wantagh Theatre for this outstanding accomplishment.