ArtsBridge Foundation

Our two leading performers from the Georgia High School Musical Theatre (Shuler) Awards are currently working hard in NYC as they prepare for The Jimmy Awards on June 22, hosted by SNL Alum Bowen Yang. Destiny Brown performed as Celie in Tri-Cities High School's production of The Color Purple and is headed off to the University of Michigan to study musical theatre this fall. Jake James performed as Jacob Jankowski in Milton High School's production of Water for Elephants and is a participant of the City Springs Theatre Conservatory.

Photos and Credit:
1. Destiny Brown and Jake James accept their Leading Performer wins at the 2026 Shuler Awards - Ben Rose Photography
2. ArtsBridge Foundation Director of Education, Beth Lenhart, and Shulers Leading Performers, Destiny Brown & Jake James, make their way to the Big Apple for the Jimmy Awards
3. Destiny Brown on Day 1 at the Jimmy Awards - Angela Gonzalez
4. Jake James on Day 1 at the Jimmy Awards - Angela Gonzalez
5. Destiny Brown performs as Celie from The Color Purple at the 2026 Shuler Awards - Ben Rose Photography
6. Jake James performs as Jacob Jankowski from Water for Elephants at the 2026 Shuler Awards - Ben Rose Photography
7. Destiny Brown on the Purple Carpet at the 2026 Shuler Awards - Blink Studio Arts
8. Jake James on the Purple Carpet at the 2026 Shuler Awards - Blink Studio Arts
9. Jake James on Day 1 at the Jimmy Awards - Angela Gonzalez
10. Destiny Brown on Day 1 at the Jimmy Awards - Angela Gonzalez

ArtsBridge is partnering with University Prep for a free College Audition Masterclass on June 20 from 12pm–3pm for students exploring BFA Acting and Musical Theatre programs.

As part of this event, there are a limited number of live performance coaching spots for students entering their senior year.

Students selected to perform will:
-present a short song cut or monologue
-receive live coaching in a college audition setting
-gain insight into how to approach material for auditions and prescreens

These spots are extremely limited and first come, first served.

Families who attend (whether performing or observing) will also leave with:
-a clear understanding of the college audition timeline
-what schools are looking for
-what students need to prepare
-common mistakes to avoid
-the opportunity to schedule a free one-on-one follow-up with the coaches

Event Details
June 20 | 12pm–3pm
The Atrium at Vinings | 4125 Atlanta Rd SE. Smyrna, GA 30080
Deadline to register: June 16
Registration link: https://mkperformingarts.com/classes/university-prep-college-audition-masterclass

All students must attend with an adult.

We hope this is a helpful resource as your student continues to explore next steps.

Have you heard of the Shuler Awards? Are you interested in learning more about the wonderful craft of musical theatre? Are you looking to contribute to your community in a way that allows you to experience the hard work of high school theatre programs across our state? ArtsBridge Foundation is accepting applications for NEW Shuler Awards (Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards) adjudicators this season - find the application link in our bio. You have until September 30 to apply!