Courtesy NHSMTA/Jimmy Awards
MacLean Mayers on stage during the Jimmy Award presentations
You’ll have to excuse Maclean Mayers if he looks a bit star-struck this week. The Germantown teen, who received the Best Actor award at the Orpheum High School Musical Awards, is returning home from Broadway a winner.
Mayers spent last week in New York City rehearsing for the seventh annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards, which brings together teens from across the country to compete for the prestigious Jimmy Awards. Also representing the region was Best Actress winner Erica Peninger from Hernando, Mississippi.
Mayers was among the top four finalists for the Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor. As a runner-up, he receives a $2,500 scholarship from the Barry and Fran Weissler Foundation. In addition, Mayers received the Spirit of the Jimmy Awards, a special commendation given to one student each year who personifies the positive spirit of musical theater program.
The awards were given out June 29 during a ceremony held at the Minksoff Theatre on Broadway. Hosting was two-time Tony award winner Michael Cerveris, who is currently on Broadway in this year's Best Musical Fun Home. During the program, much like the Tony Awards, teens sing and dance as part of the show.
In a recent interview with MP, Mayers talked about how meaningful his involvement with the program has been. “Before I started acting, I didn’t care about being involved with anything at school and I wasn’t keeping my grades up,” he says. “The High School Theatre Awards has been a life changing experience … I’ve made some amazing, best friends there. I am very humbled and happy to be where I am.”
What did he gain from this week’s experience?
“Meeting students from around the country who are so passionate about performing and dedicated has been an experience I will always remember,” he says. “Working with the artistic team of the Jimmy Awards, especially vocal coach Telly Leung, was amazing.”