Southeast Polk High School’s vocal music department recently showcased its talent and hard work at the 2024 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, presented by EMC Insurance Companies. The event celebrated the school’s exceptional November production of Matilda: The Musical.
The showcase, produced by Des Moines Performing Arts, took place on Thursday, May 30, at the Des Moines Civic Center. It marked the culmination of a year-long educational initiative and featured 102 schools from across Iowa.
The Southeast Polk ensemble delivered a stunning excerpt from Matilda during the showcase, a testament to their achievement of winning the Outstanding Musical Production Award—the highest honor in the program. Selected students also had the opportunity to perform in a collaborative medley with peers from other schools, led by a guest Broadway music director and choreographer.
Among these talented performers were Shea Baxter and August Nau, who participated in the Triple Threat Award program. This program, designed for advanced-performing students, included auditions for theater camp scholarships and a chance to represent Iowa at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy Awards) in New York City this summer.
Southeast Polk High School earned numerous accolades for its production of Matilda:
Production Awards
Outstanding Musical Production
Outstanding Student Orchestra
Special Recognition Ensemble
Student Awards
Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role – August Nau as Mr. Wormwood
Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role – Shea Baxter as Matilda
Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Griffin Sutten as Trunchbull
Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Maddie Davis as Mrs. Wormwood
Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Grace Corwin as Miss Honey
Congratulations on this amazing recognition!
