It’s spring, which means it's award season for our Blackbox! This year, Wooster School entered as a contestant in the Stephen Sondheim Awards. According to the Black Rock Theater website, “The Stephen Sondheim Awards aim to connect, cultivate, and celebrate high school musical theater students and educators across Connecticut and Massachusetts…This regional program culminates in a Tony Awards® style gala that honors outstanding productions, performances, and participation. It provides the opportunity for students and teachers to come together as a community to celebrate the magic of high school musical theater!”
During our run of Into the Woods, a judge from the awards visited and took many vigorous notes. We all crossed our fingers and hoped for the best - we were in competition with 40 other high schools!
On Monday, April 27, the nominations video was posted, and we all tuned in to hear the results. About 10 minutes into the broadcast, we heard this incredible news:
“We do want to take a moment to shout out this year’s Special Achievement Awards. Every year, your directors submit students who go above and beyond for their program to be recognized on stage at our awards gala. This year, we’ll be presenting Special Achievement Awards to Noah Fisher of Brantford High School, Nathan Quinn of Medford High School, and Ellie Brower of Wooster School.” Ellie’s phone was immediately flooded with congratulations messages, but she told me she found out about her win in a different way.
“I had no idea nominations were even out until Amelie Simard ran into jobs and congratulated me,” she explained. “After that, everyone and anyone started congratulating me, even group chats I'm not even in.” For context, they thought she was on the text, which caused a lot of confusion afterwards. As for her reaction to this incredible achievement, Ellie told me that she was in disbelief! “It hadn't crossed my mind that I was eligible for anything, as I thought the Sondheims were just for actors. I'm incredibly grateful for the nomination, and I'm so proud of everyone in the show!”
So Ellie’s off to the gala! Beyond the ceremony, Ellie has her eyes set on the Halo Awards. “I feel pretty good about our chances! Keep an eye out for those nominations in the next few weeks!”
If you see Ellie, make sure you congratulate her on this huge recognition! We’ll see you at the Halos!
Hannah '26
Advanced Journalism Student
