Asheville Performing Arts Academy Students Shine at Junior Theater Festival 2025

Asheville Performing Arts Academy Students Shine at Junior Theater Festival 2025

Asheville, NC – January 21, 2025 – After overcoming the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, the students of Asheville Performing Arts Academy (APAA) returned triumphant from the 2025 Junior Theater Festival (JTF) in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing home an array of prestigious accolades. The festival, held from January 17-19, is recognized as the world’s largest celebration of youth musical theater, drawing over 8,000 attendees from across the globe, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.

Accolades at the 2025 Junior Theater Festival:

·         Freddie G Award for Excellence in Acting: APAA students were recognized for their outstanding acting performances.

·         Freddie G Outstanding Individual Performance: Student Niah Hanson was honored with this prestigious award for her exceptional individual performance.

·         Festival All-Stars: Students Natalie Edgens and Sienna Hancock were selected as Festival All-Stars, showcasing their extraordinary talent.

·         Final Call-Back for Broadway Junior Shoots: Students Ava Walicki and Marta Rosal advanced to the final call-back for future Broadway Junior shoots, where they may be selected to perform "how-to" choreography videos for soon-to-be-released Broadway Junior musicals.

In addition to these accolades, APAA students participated in workshops and performances that allowed them to learn and grow from industry professionals. Their commitment to excellence at the Junior Theater Festival is a reflection of the dedication and passion for the performing arts that defines the Asheville Performing Arts Academy community.

Encore Performance and Upcoming Shows
To share their success with family and friends, APAA students will present an encore performance of their festival production this coming weekend. Additionally, the Academy invites the community to enjoy upcoming shows:

·         Beauty and the Beast Jr. – January 31 through February 9, 2025

·         The Lightning Thief – February 21 through February 23, 2025

Tickets and additional information are available on the APAA website and social media platforms.

About Asheville Performing Arts Academy
Asheville Performing Arts Academy (APAA) is dedicated to fostering a lifelong appreciation of the arts through a nurturing and inclusive community where students discover the tools to succeed both on stage and in life. Offering programs in music, dance, and drama, APAA encourages students to explore and develop their creative talents. The Academy has been a consistent participant in the Junior Theater Festival since 2010, earning numerous awards, including several Freddie G Awards for Excellence in Acting, Ensemble Work, and Achievement in Dance, among other recognitions.

Notable achievements at previous Junior Theater Festivals include:

·         2023: Freddie G Award for Excellence in Acting

·         2019: Freddie G Outstanding Individual Performance (Ceili Jordan Taft)

·         2018: Freddie G Award for Excellence in Acting

·         2017: Freddie G Award for Outstanding Ensemble

·         2016 & 2015: Freddie G Awards for Excellence in Ensemble Work

·         2014: Freddie G Award for Excellence in Ensemble Work and Final Call-back for Broadway Junior Shoots (Sarah Plaut)

·         2012: Freddie G Outstanding Achievement in Dance Award and Final Call-back for Broadway Junior Shoots (Lincoln K. Belford)

·         2011: Freddie G Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Music, Acting, and Performance, with students selected for the New Works Showcase and to record instructional choreography DVDs.

·         2010: Freddie G Broadway Spirit Award and Freddie G Achievement in Acting Award, with Director Heather Gallagher receiving the Freddie G Experience Award.

For more information about Asheville Performing Arts Academy and their upcoming performances, visit their website and connect with them on social media.

Follow APAA on Social Media
Facebook: Asheville Performing Arts Academy
Instagram: @theapaa

Contact:
Heather Gallagher, Director
Asheville Performing Arts Academy
Phone: 828-768-3971
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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