Arts at Bishop Hendricken earns 7 Ocean State Star Awards

WARWICK, RI (May 5, 2023) – The Arts at Bishop Hendricken is proud to announce that seven members of the Once Upon a Mattress cast and crew were selected as winners in their respective categories as part of the 1st Annual Ocean State Star Awards presented by the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC).

The following individuals were selected by a panel of PPAC adjudicators among nominees from across the state of Rhode Island:

  • Thomas Jaques ’23 – Outstanding Lead Performer
  • Kaelin Viera – Outstanding Lead Performer, Outstanding Acting Performer
  • Ava White – Outstanding Lead Performer
  • Justin Estrada ’24 – Outstanding Supporting Performer
  • Patrick Cavanagh ’25 – Outstanding Dance Performer
  • Zoe Clay – Outstanding Dance Performer
  • Julianna Fielding – Outstanding Costume Design

“To say we’re proud is an understatement,” said Julia Paolino, Director of the Arts and Drama Program Coordiantor. “These students work so incredibly hard at their craft and gave unforgettable performances on stage this year! It is wonderful to see their efforts recognized in such a major way.  On behalf of our entire creative team here, we are so grateful to PPAC for the opportunity to acknowledge the work of our student artists in this way.”

The Ocean State Star Awards program is designed to celebrate, support, and advocate for high school musical theatre education throughout Rhode Island. PPAC is dedicated to not only celebrating high school theater programs, but to recognizing the outstanding achievements of our state’s high school productions.

Jaques, White, and Viera will now have the opportunity to be selected to participate in the 2023 National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards) in New York City at the end of June 2023, all expenses paid.

Additionally, Massimo Papa ’24 and Calista Aguinaldo received Rising Star Recognition. Zach Young ’24, Gabriel McInnis ’24, and Sarah Whelan received nominations for their performances. Christian Kabbas ’14 received a nomination for Outstanding Sound Design.

PPAC will present a Tony Awards-inspired showcase honoring the schools and students for artistic excellence in musical theatre on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 7pm. Through this opportunity, participants can receive awards, scholarships, and perform on the PPAC stage as a part of that evening’s program.

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CONTACT: Christian Kabbas
Director of Communications & Marketing
ckabbas@hendricken.com
401.889.5395