News: NTPA Academy Earns Top North Texas Theatre Honors

NTPA Academy Earns Top North Texas Theatre Honors, Showcasing Growth of Innovative Performing Arts High School

PLANO, Texas — NTPA Academy students and faculty received significant recognition this awards season, earning 11 nominations and three wins across two of North Texas’ most respected high school theatre competitions: the Schmidt & Jones High School Theatre Awards and the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards. 

The honors were awarded for NTPA Academy’s acclaimed production of Little Women, highlighting the strength of the Academy’s unique approach to combining rigorous academics with intensive conservatory-style arts training. 

Among the season’s highest achievements, NTPA Academy earned Schmidt & Jones Awards for Best Orchestra, Best Lighting Design, and Best Actress in a Minor Role, while students and production teams received multiple additional nominations in performance, technical theatre, and ensemble categories.

 
“These awards represent far more than a single production,” said Riley Madlock, Head of School for NTPA Academy. “They reflect the commitment our students make every day to excellence, creativity, collaboration, and growth. Whether on stage, in the orchestra pit, backstage, or in the classroom, our students are developing the skills and character that prepare them for success in the arts and beyond.”

 
The recognition places NTPA Academy among some of the region’s most respected theatre programs and underscores the school’s growing reputation as a destination for young performers seeking both academic excellence and professional-level arts training. 

Senior Sophie Zeigon was also recognized as an Outstanding Lead Performer nominee at the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards, one of the region’s most competitive student theatre honors. Her nomination placed her among an elite group of performers selected from productions across North Texas. 

NTPA Academy’s production of Little Women received nominations in categories including Best Ensemble, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor in a Minor Role, and Best Ensemble Member, reflecting the depth of talent across the entire company. 
For NTPA Academy leaders, the recognition is particularly meaningful because it celebrates the collaborative nature of theatre education. Students were honored not only for acting performances, but also for achievements in music, technical theatre, design, and production—areas that often serve as the foundation of successful theatrical experiences.

“These awards affirm what we see every day,” Madlock said. “When students are challenged, supported, and empowered to pursue excellence, extraordinary things happen. We are proud of every student who contributed to this season and excited about what lies ahead.” 
NTPA Academy is a fully accredited performing arts high school that combines college-preparatory academics with comprehensive training in theatre, music, dance, film, and technical theatre. Through a character-based educational model, students develop artistic excellence, leadership skills, and lifelong confidence while preparing for college and professional opportunities. 

Award Highlights 
Schmidt & Jones High School Theatre Awards 
● Best Orchestra — NTPA Academy 
● Best Lighting Design — Tyler Bialowas 
● Best Actress in a Minor Role — Sophia Bock 

Additional Nominations 
● Best Ensemble 
● Best Actor — Gabriel Putnam 
● Best Actress — Taylor Winton 
● Best Supporting Actress — Milla Fort 
● Best Supporting Actress — Meredith Holmes 
● Best Actor in a Minor Role — Nate Jeffries 
● Best Ensemble Member — Zelie Bernstein 

Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards 
● Outstanding Lead Performer Nominee — Sophie Zeigon 

For more information about NTPA Academy, visit ntpa.org. 
About North Texas Performing Arts 

North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to developing the character of youth through quality performing arts education and family entertainment. NTPA evolved from Plano Children’s Theatre, founded three decades ago, and is now the largest youth theatre organization in the country. NTPA is headquartered at Willow Bend Center of the Arts in Plano and has additional performance and educational spaces in Fairview, Frisco, Dallas, and Southlake. Each year, NTPA provides opportunities to more than 11,000 students ages three to 18 through its “Ten Characters” leadership development program. NTPA’s professional artistic staff uses theatre, dance, music, voice, film, and TV to ignite a lifelong passion for the performing arts and guide young people on a path to becoming better citizens in our community and our world.