‘High School Musical’ director Kenny Ortega judges the 2026 Jerry Herman Awards, marking his 11th year celebrating local talent

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — “This is my 11th year here. You know, I can’t get enough of it.” Disney legend Kenny Ortega (“High School Musical,” “Descendants” and “Hocus Pocus” director) is happy to support local musical theatre while attending the Jerry Herman Awards.

The Jerry Herman Awards honors the best in Los Angeles high school programs every year. Tonight, the winners were selected by a panel of industry experts including Ortega, Nicole Parker, Eric Petersen, Cathy Rigby, Jeff Loeb and Dana Ellis.

While chatting with On The Red Carpet, Ortega explained, “The Jerry Herman Awards are the prerequisite for the Jimmy Awards in June. Tonight, we selected our Best Actor and Best Actress that will be traveling to New York for the big championships.”

Best Actress winner Kaleo Knight from Windward School won for her portrayal of Penelope Pennywise from “Urinetown.” “I’m so excited for New York. I’m actually going to NYU, so this will be a little preview of New York before I’m there for real,” Knight shared.

Jackson Wright from St. Francis High School, who won for playing Tony in “West Side Story,” was stunned to win Best Actor again after last year’s win. “It’s just the greatest honor, seriously. New York City, Broadway, the Jimmy Awards – it’s still settling in here *points to brain* right now to be honest with you. But, it is the greatest honor. I cannot wait, and I’m so excited for any opportunity that presents itself at the Jimmy Awards,” Wright said.

Each year, the Best Actor and Best Actress winners from the Jerry Herman Awards join students from across the U.S. to compete for top honors at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as The Jimmy’s. The 17th annual Jimmy Awards will take place at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre in New York City on June 22.

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