Students Shine at Musical Theatre Singing Competition

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Nearly half of the 25 students from Northwestern University’s Musical Theatre Certificate program won distinction and/or cash prizes in mid-February at the annual Musical Theatre Voice Competition of the Chicago Chapter’s National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

The local event for music theater soloists spotlights and awards the best emerging talent each year.

First Place winners included freshmen Chris Anselmo, sophomore Zoe Nadal and junior Gabrielle Febland, who each received a $250 cash prize, and senior Evelyn Jacoby, who received a $300 prize.

Second Place awards were presented to junior Lauren Lenke and senior Ben Estus, who each received a $100 cash prize.

Third Place winners included sophomore Aubrey McGrath and senior Jessica Kahkoska, who each received a $50 cash prize.

Honorable Mention awards were presented to juniors Josh Kohane and Jonathan Stein and senior Mallory Moser.

Jacoby, Estus, Kahkoska, Moser, Lenke, Kohane, Nadal and Anselmo study voice in the Musical Theatre Certificate Program with Melissa Foster. Febland, Stein and McGrath study voice with Kelli Morgan McHugh.

The School of Communication’s Music Theatre Certificate program prepares students for careers as music theatre performing artists, choreographers, composers, lyricists and directors. Students take specialized courses in music theatre techniques, acting, voice and dance and study the history and creation of music theatre. For more, visit www.communication.northwestern.edu/programs/certificate_music_theatre/.

Founded in 1944, NATS is the world’s largest professional association of teachers of singing. For more information on the organization, visit www.nats.org.