Richardson ISD is proud to celebrate an outstanding group of student performers and theatre programs who have been recognized by the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA) for their exceptional talent and dedication to the performing arts.
Several RISD students have been named semifinalists for Outstanding Lead Performer, one of the program’s highest individual honors:
JJ Pearce High School
Andie Miller as Natasha in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
Charley Abney as Pierre in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
Jack Bandy as Anatole in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
Tori Hame as Sonya in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
Courtney Hill as Helene in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
Richardson High School
Isla Usie as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen
Lake Highlands High School
John Gillespie as Gomez Addams in The Addams Family
In addition to these individual honors, JJ Pearce High School earned an impressive eight HSMTA nominations for its production of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, including:
Outstanding Musical
Outstanding Direction
Outstanding Ensemble
Outstanding Orchestra
Outstanding Crew and Technical Execution
Outstanding Supporting Performer: Channing Lawson as Mary
Outstanding Supporting Performer: Sydney Olinick as Marya
Outstanding Featured Performer: Julia Pearce
JJ Pearce High School also received one HSMTA nomination for its production of Alice by Heart
 Outstanding Featured Performer: Elijah Beck as The Duchess
Lake Highlands High School Theatre Department was also recognized with two HSMTA nominations for its production of The Addams Family:
Outstanding Costume Design
Outstanding Scenic Design
As a highlight of these achievements, and in recognition of their Outstanding Musical nomination, the cast of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 has been selected to perform at the Broadway Dallas HSMTA ceremony on May 2 at Fair Park, where winners for all categories will be announced—an incredible honor that showcases the strength and artistry of RISD’s theatre programs on a regional stage.
These recognitions reflect the talent, hard work, and collaborative spirit of RISD students and directors, as well as the district’s commitment to excellence in fine arts education.
Congratulations to all of our students and campuses for continuing to Dream Big and represent Richardson ISD with pride.
