Waukee and Northwest Theatre Programs Honored at 2025 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards

Des Moines Performing Arts hosted nominees for the 2025 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA) on May 29 at the Des Moines Civic Center. Waukee High School’s PIPPIN and Northwest High School’s Anastasia were both honored with multiple nominations and showcased performances in celebration of their outstanding achievements.

IMG 2481Waukee High School – PIPPIN

The ensemble of PIPPIN performed an excerpt from their production at the Showcase in recognition of receiving an Outstanding Musical Production Award – the program’s highest honor.

Colin Gach, Josephine Hallagin, and Will Howg participated in the Triple Threat Award program, which included a special Showcase performance and auditions for national opportunities such as the Jimmy Awards in New York City.

Selma Fetić was named a Technical Theater Scholarship Finalist for her exceptional work in Costume Design. She received a $2,000 scholarship and was selected as the top scholarship recipient, earning an additional $5,000 award.

Other WHS Nominations:

  • Outstanding Musical Production
  • Outstanding Student Orchestra
  • Special Recognition Ensemble
  • Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role – Colin Gach as “Leading Player”
  • Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role – Josephine Hallagin as “Catherine”
  • Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role – Will Howg as “Pippin”
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind-the-Scenes Role – Avea Courtright & Everlyn Jordan for Props Coordination
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind-the-Scenes Role – Selma Fetić for Costume Design
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind-the-Scenes Role – Rain Hall for Hair & Makeup
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind-the-Scenes Role – Josephine Hallagin for Dramaturgy
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind-the-Scenes Role – Atiana Pilipovic for Outreach
  • Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Ethan Fonseca as “Charles”
  • Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Avery Gulliford as “Berthe”
  • Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Olivia Simons as “Fastrada”

IMG 2480Northwest High School – Anastasia

The ensemble of Anastasia also performed an excerpt from their production at the Showcase in celebration of receiving an Outstanding Musical Production Award – the highest recognition given by the program.

Avi Ganti and Greta Paulsen participated in the Triple Threat Award program, taking part in a collaborative performance and auditioning for national opportunities including the Jimmy Awards in New York City.

Other NWHS Nominations:

  • Outstanding Musical Production
  • Outstanding Student Orchestra
  • Outstanding Ensemble
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role-  Greta Paulsen as “Anya”
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role – Avi Ganti as “Dmitry”
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind the Scenes Role – Aiden Berrier, Hiya Shah, Krista Giltner, and Lucas Barr for Scenic and Props
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind the Scenes Role – Miles Cue for Lighting
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind the Scenes Role – Sophie Bumgardner, Anna Coffey, Rin Evans, and Lola McCurnin for Costumes, Hair, and Makeup
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind the Scenes Role – Molly Carson, Allison Goode, Ella Friedel, Ava Hansen, Anya Koehler, and Bella Kuhl for Direction and Stage Management
  • Outstanding Achievement in a Behind the Scenes Role – Alyce Ayala, Lily Bailiff, Nolan Craig, and Ryker Haas for Publicity and Front of House
  • Special Recognition in a Principal Role – Gehrig Lachenmaier as “Vald”
  • Special Recognition in a Principal Role – Leila Eddington as “Dowager Empress”
  • Special Recognition in a Principal Role – Miles Burrell ad “Gleb”