At TPA, developing the next generation of theatre artists is not just a priority—it’s a driving force behind our mission. We are deeply committed to nurturing young talent and transforming lives through creativity, education, and the power of live performance. Through a range of youth-focused programs, TPA provides aspiring artists with meaningful opportunities to grow, learn, and shine.

A cornerstone of this commitment is our involvement in the Broadway League’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards—better known as the Jimmy Awards. These prestigious awards recognize exceptional student performers in acting, singing, and dance, while highlighting the critical importance of theatre education in schools. If the Tony Awards honor the present of Broadway, the Jimmy Awards illuminate its future.

Through this vital partnership, each year two standout students from Austin’s Heller Awards for Young Artists are selected to compete at the Jimmy Awards in New York City, where they train with Broadway professionals and perform on the Broadway stage. This summer, Walker Wallace of Round Rock High School and Reagan Gonzales of Weiss High School will represent Austin and take the next step in their artistic journeys.

As they head to NYC, we had just a few questions for Reagan and Walker.

What do you love about musical theatre?

Reagan: I love the collaboration. I think there is something so special about people coming together with different talents and skill sets to put on a story. I think that feeling of trust and connection means the most to me about musical theatre.

Walker: When I was younger, I think it was just an excuse to see my friends every week. But now, it’s grown into more of my chosen artistic form and the way that I like to express myself. I love that you are able to take a character and the given circumstances that the author writes about and you are also able to take what you have lived and mesh the two together into a truthful story for an audience that hopefully will impact them.

Have you ever seen a show at Texas Performing Arts?

Reagan: Yes, I have seen Beetlejuice, Frozen, Shucked, and Funny Girl.

Walker: Yes! I have seen a few shows at TPA. I saw Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables, and Hello Dolly all in 2019. That was a great season.

What is your favorite Broadway musical?

Reagan: My favorite Broadway musical is Wicked (way before it was a movie lol).

Walker: My favorite Broadway musical has to be Into The Woods—everything about that show is genius

Have you ever been to New York? 

Reagan: No, I’ve never been to New York before but I’m so excited to go!

Walker: I have been to NYC once before and I loved it! I cannot wait to see what it’s like to live there!

What are you most looking forward to learning or experiencing during Jimmy’s Week? 

Reagan: I’m really looking forward to going to New York. This will actually be my first time visiting, and as an aspiring Broadway actress, I couldn’t imagine a more meaningful way to experience the city for the first time. I’m really excited to meet new friends, learn from professionals in the industry, and, of course, perform on a Broadway stage! The opportunity to immerse myself in the heart of the theatre world and grow as a performer is something I’ve dreamed about for years, and I’m so grateful for the chance to be a part of it.

Walker: I am very excited to meet people all over the country who are equally as passionate as I am about my art form. I’m excited to meet new friends and meet amazing professionals who are actively working in the field.

Support for Austin’s participation in the Jimmy Awards is provided by Andrew & Mary Ann Heller, Mila McCutchen, Marcia & Gary Nelson, Bettye Nowlin, and Marc & Carolyn Seriff.

Want to learn how you can support the Jimmy Awards through TPA?
Contact our Development Office at 512.471.1195 or support@texasperformingarts.org.