Rye-area schools delivered an impressive showing at the 2026 Metropolitan High School Theater Awards recently at the SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center.
Rye Neck High School and Rye Country Day School each brought home two awards recognizing excellence in high school musical theater.
Rye Neck High School earned Outstanding Achievement in Direction for theater director Cyndi Feinman and Outstanding Performance by a Chorus for its production of “The Prom.” The school garnered 10 nominations, including recognition for acting, dance, scenic design, production number, and leading performers.
Rye Country Day School student Dominiuqe Alvarez won Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Female-Identified Role for her portrayal of Eponine, while Dean Pasarelli received Outstanding Performance in a Featured Male-Identified Role for his performance as Thénardier in that school’s production of “Les Misérables School Edition.”
“The awards are especially meaningful because they reflect the hard work, dedication, and artistry of our students,” Feinman said. “While I was honored to receive Outstanding Achievement in Direction, I see it as a recognition of the entire community that helped bring ‘The Prom’ to life.”
Feinman said she was particularly proud of the chorus award, which recognized the commitment of the student ensemble.
“The ensemble is truly the heart of any musical, and seeing them celebrated was incredibly rewarding,” she said.
One of the highlights of the evening, Feinman said, was celebrating with so many theater students.
“The atmosphere was incredibly supportive, and it was wonderful to see students from across the region come together to celebrate theater education and the performing arts,” she said.
