Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) is excited to share that two individuals from NPS were recognized at the 9th annual NHSTA Showcase on Sunday, June 5th. The Nebraska High School Theater Academy (NHSTA) celebrates the outstanding achievements of participating high schools and middle schools with awards for top performers, excellence behind the scenes, and more during the annual Tony Awards® style showcase event presented by Omaha Performing Arts.
NPS Student Sydney Easland was recognized with an Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role Award for her performance in Legally Blonde: The Musical. Tayrn Retzlaff received the high honor of the Outstanding Educator Award.
“It was fantastic to see one of our theater students be recognized for her outstanding acting as Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde: The Musical. Sydney was a leader in our show and worked so hard to perfect her acting, singing, and choreography. It was wonderful to see her honored as one of the top supporting actresses in the state," said Director Taryn Rezlaff.
Norfolk had wonderful representation at the Nebraska High School Theater Academy. Marlee Weidner, Grace Reedy, and Jay Koozer represented the Panthers as members of the Showcase Ensemble. They spent the week in Omaha learning choreography and lyrics very quickly. All three were featured at different points in the showcase.
"This is such a fitting way for Taryn to conclude her high school teaching and directing career. The Omaha Performing Arts, and the Nebraska High School Theater Academy, couldn't have selected a better recipient for the Outstanding Educator Award. She made a tremendous impact here in Norfolk - on her students, on her program, on the school, and on the community,” said Dr. Ippensen Norfolk High School Principal.
