Plymouth Whitemarsh High School senior Katie Smith has been selected to participate and compete in the National High School Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards. The awards are presented by the Broadway League Foundation. Smith qualified for the opportunity after winning the regional competition through the Philadelphia Independence Awards.

“Katie’s an incredible talent with a wide vocal range who can play a wide variety of roles,” said Mickey Engel, director of the Colonial Players’ musical and PWHS teacher. “She’s a dedicated artist who puts great effort into her craft.”

As a participant in the Jimmy Awards, Smith will take part in masterclasses and coaching with Broadway and other theater professionals, and perform for and with more than 70 theater students chosen from approximately 1,800 high schools across the country. The preparation will lead to a virtual presentation on July 15, with a panel of industry experts awarding Best Performance by an Actress and Actor. Students receive opportunities for merit scholarships, professional advancement, and other prizes.

Many of the Jimmy Awards’ alumni have performed on Broadway, including Eva Noblezada (Hadestown/Miss Saigon) and Andrew Barth Feldman (Dear Evan Hansen).

Smith has been a member of all eight of the Colonial Players’ theater productions during her high school career, including as a lead in the musical We Aren’t Kids Anymore that airs on April 30th and May 1st. (tickets and show information). She has also performed in many other theater productions in the region.