New talent discovered and a fabulous show to boot!
For the last several years, I have participated in the annual production of The Jimmy Awards/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards, an amazing competition that culminates in a fabulous night in New York City. My job as announcer or “voice of God” is to introduce the show and the contestants.
The Jimmys, presented by the Broadway League Foundation, invites two nominees from regional ceremonies to New York City to participate in a theatre intensive including coaching and rehearsals with Broadway professionals in preparation for one special night on a Broadway stage.
This year, all coaching, rehearsals, and activities took place online for the 72 nominees from 36 regions around the US. Finally, all the hard work that these students experience culminates with two participants receiving a Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor award and a total of 20 awards and scholarships available to other participants.
Every year, the talent I see from around the country is phenomenal. These outstanding young performers not only have the opportunity to be coached by theatre professionals, but also to be seen by top agents and casting directors. Some have been picked up and cast in Broadway shows. It is such an exciting event.
Just this week, the Jimmy’s took place virtually, and the production is top notch… as good as any variety television show out there. Corbin Bleu is the host of the show, and you can watch it here through July 18.
A thrilling way to view new, young talent at the start of their careers.
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
