Cheers to 12 Years of the Heller Awards for Young Artists at the Long Center
Today is a special day, as it’s the last time all of us at the Long Center will get to host the Heller Awards, otherwise known as Austin’s Tonys for high school musical theatre. But before the program moves to its new home at Texas Performing Arts, we took a stroll down memory lane and even got some of our staff to reflect on the last 12 years of this incredible program.
So before the show begins tonight — and yes, you can still snag a ticket — peruse through the highlights, hear from our staff, and review the nominees for tonight’s Twelfth Annual Heller Awards for Young Artists. After all — we’re in a show!
IT’S HELLER AWARDS SEASON
Need a refresher on what this is all about? Check out our Heller Awards 101. It talks you through the year-long program from start to Ceremony. It’s free to participate, reaches across 7 counties, and the Select Ensemble is pulling out all the stops this year.
And did we mention that the program began in 2014 with 19 participating schools, and twelve years later we’re celebrating with 37? Originally known as the Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards, the show always features musical numbers by 8 Best Production Nominees, leading & supporting medleys, and much razzle dazzle. There’s been a big team from different organizations behind the scenes putting it together over the years, but the real drive comes from Producing Director Ginger Morris, whose direction & choreography is on show in every Ceremony and workshop. We can’t wait to see how this continues to grow at Texas Performing Arts.
“My favorite GAHSMTA / HAYA memory is how many times I’ve been brought to tears.”
“This show is a big and complicated project on an improbable technical timeline. I’ve had the pleasure to work every one of Ginger’s High School awards shows. The first six years as the Sound Designer/Operator. The energy in the room, the intensity from the performances, the perfection when it all comes together brings tears to my eyes.
Ginger, you have my heartfelt well wishes to keep your meaningful work going in our theatrical community. You make a difference for many creative youth. Thank YOU!”
— Ken from Production
GOOD VIBES ONLY
What’s been the most fun to watch, however, is a super supportive creative community form before our very eyes. Many of the students in our 37 particpating schools go to see each other’s shows, and then encourage others to go see even more shows. And then before you know it, there aren’t just thousands of Instagram likes, but also authentic connections being formed.
You can see which schools are participating this year and also the Select Ensemble on show in our 2025 Nominee Livestream (hope you like Wicked!). And if you’re curious about what it’s like stepping onto the Heller Awards scene for the first time, we’ve got some advice from last year’s leading ladies.
“As a former theatre kid, I love the talent, energy, and excitement that all the students bring to the Heller Awards. I have been on staff at the Long Center for over 4 years, and what always impresses me is the supportive environement that is created for the students.”
“When all the best performer nominees are gathered together on stage as the nominees are read and the winners are announced, the scream of excitement for the winner is genuine and heartfelt (and ear splitting!). The kids truly support each other.
For me, part of the excitement is knowing that all the kids participating in the program clearly have such bright futures regardless of whether or not they choose the performing arts for their life-long careers.”
— Anne from Box Office
HOSTS WITH THE MOST
With the reach of this program spanning over a decade, you might be unsurprised to hear that there are quite a few alumni out there. Plenty are working in the arts, whether on stage or as arts administrators. Plenty more have chosen paths in creative fields, and of course, some who continue to support the arts from other sectors.
We’ve had several Broadway shout outs over the years from stars AND alumni on major tours — a particularly memorable one comes to mind featuring the cast of Hamilton trying their best to pronounce “GAHSMTA” (what the Hellers were formally known as).
Better still, we have two alums hosting the show for the fourth time this year — Donelvan Thigpen & Jessica O’Brien — each with their own impressive stage credentials. And we even have alums like Dave Hawks who continue to come back to photograph the show, red carpet, or Trophy Room to support the program because it means that much. Dave was even in the very first Awards Ceremony, way back in 2014.
“I’m proud (and shocked) to say this is the 6th Heller Awards I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of.”
“The passion, dedication, and talent these young people exude is so incredibly inspiring and every year I’m brought to tears, despite my best efforts. I’m filled with hope knowing the torch is being passed and knowing how important events like this are to our young creators.
I’m thankful to have been a part in as many ways as I have. Cheers and best wishes, Heller Awards!”
— Hannah from Marketing
“Nothing compares to the energy of 500 high school students.”
They are excited, nervous, and genuinely thrilled to take part in the Heller Awards. It is best described as ‘electric.’
In an increasingly screen-focused society, each year I am reinvigorated in my belief that live performing arts will always be relevant; and it’s because of these kids.”
— Dallas from Programming
A SHOW FOR SHOWSTOPPERS
While the show still hits our favorite beats after twelve years, including the spine-tingling opening number that was written for the program by Allen Robertson, there’s always a surprise. Make that surprises, plural.
We’ve had a City Council member burst into song as King George (he did great!), and the show has even opened with our host conducting the first number. But what takes the cake is Rouse High School’s very own Langston Lee winning the national Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor the very first year the Heller Awards were able to participate. Incredible.
“This sounds silly, but after 9 years of working on the Heller Awards, that opening number still gets me every time.”
“Something about the timing, the music, the always-new staging and the importance of the moment… you just can’t help but feel the magic. We’re definitely in a show.”
— Catriona from Marketing
“When Austin’s own 2023 Heller Award winner Langston Lee went on to win the Jimmy Award in New York City, the entire city of Austin as cheering!”
“I want to wish all the nominees the best of luck at the Awards, but please know… you are ALL winners!”
— Anne from Box Office
This is just the tip of the iceberg for this program, and we hope you’ll follow along as it moves to Texas Performing Arts next year.
Cheers to 12 years — it has been a wild, fulfilling, whirlwind of a ride. And as we all know, there’s no business like show business.
See you at the Hellers!
Photos by Henry Huey and Dave Hawks.
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
