(film reel clicking) (bright intriguing music) (audience cheering) (soft inspiring music) - For this theatrical endeavor, we aim to inspire our students to dream big, embrace their individuality, and strive for greatness, both on and off the stage.

(audience cheering) - Every actor needs to step outside of themself and look beyond, and really knowing this, anything can happen if you let it.

Reconciliation, forgiveness, happiness.

- As I finish my final year of teaching, I will take with me a sense of having played a part in changing the way people perceive society at the most fundamental levels.

- The characters you see onstage are unapologetically themselves.

They love each other fiercely.

- And although it comes through challenges and adversity, they learn to embrace change together.

(bright exciting music) (audience cheering) ♪ And so you've got us ♪ Debating how this whole night will go ♪ ♪ Kids will be watching (audience cheering) ♪ To see who every guest is ♪ And so my only request is ♪ Build a prom for everyone ♪ Show them all it can be done ♪ If music blares, and no one cares ♪ ♪ Who your unruly heart loves ♪ Build it now ♪ Make people see how the world ♪ ♪ Could one day be ♪ It might come true ♪ If we take a chance ♪ But till that day comes ♪ I say cue the drums ♪ It's time to dance (funky upbeat music) (audience cheering) ♪ Mm ♪ Mm to the mm - All right, everyone.

Your attention, please.

♪ Listen up, this is how it's gonna go ♪ ♪ We're gonna gather up every good girl we know ♪ ♪ We'll get vertical till we get vertigo ♪ ♪ And show these bros how to put on a show ♪ ♪ We need the very best boys you can find ♪ ♪ They gotta be strong, and they gotta be fine ♪ ♪ Do what you gotta do, wine and dine ♪ ♪ But keep this in mind ♪ Imagine the lights, imagine the people ♪ ♪ Imagine us in the middle of the crowd ♪ ♪ Imagine the fame, imagine the fortune ♪ ♪ It's all happening ♪ Imagine your life, and all of the changes ♪ ♪ Imagine making this neighborhood proud ♪ ♪ And they're screaming our names out loud ♪ ♪ It's all happening (jazzy upbeat music) (audience cheering) ♪ Gotta wear your crown (funky upbeat music) (all clapping rhythmically) ♪ Shout it out ♪ And let the world know ♪ How your DNA is perfectly made ♪ ♪ Gotta shout it loud ♪ Wear your crown and shine your light around ♪ ♪ Don't waste a day ♪ It's time to be brave ♪ Gotta wear your crown ♪ Oh, oh ♪ Oh ♪ Let's celebrate ♪ Gotta shout it loud ♪ Oh, oh ♪ Oh ♪ Gotta wear your crown ♪ Gotta wear your crown or your tiara ♪ ♪ Now is the time to must out the mascara ♪ ♪ Who need shade, there's nothing duller ♪ ♪ We're living life in full technicolor ♪ ♪ But if your sparkle starts to fade ♪ ♪ Go out and start your own parade ♪ ♪ And if somebody starts in with new drama ♪ ♪ Just go high, like Michelle Obama ♪ (audience cheering) (exciting music) ♪ The truth is we can do this ♪ It's all happening ♪ If we start right now and pursue this ♪ ♪ It's all happening ♪ We'll get through this ♪ And we know this ♪ It's all happening ♪ So let's go, put the whole world on notice ♪ ♪ Who's in ♪ I'm in ♪ I'm in, I'm in ♪ I'm in, I'm in ♪ I'm in, I'm in ♪ I'm in ♪ We can leave behind the world we know ♪ ♪ Let's go, gonna shine ♪ Let's go, I've been waiting ♪ Let's go ♪ We gotta go ♪ Put your hands up, whoa ♪ We gotta go ♪ Put your hands up, whoa ♪ We gotta go ♪ Put your hands up, whoa ♪ We gotta go ♪ Let's go, let's go, let's go ♪ It's all happening (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (audience continues cheering and applauding) (soft inspiring music) - [Announcer] Brought to you by the ArtsBridge Foundation.

Tonight, the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards celebrates its Sweet 16.

Join us as we recognize the state's best high school productions from the past school year, both onstage, and behind the scenes.

And now, the 16th Annual Schuler Awards.

Please welcome your hosts, Schuler Hensley, Beth Keener, and Chelsea Tafoya.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - Wow!

That was an incredible opening number!

Let's hear it, people!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) Welcome to the 16th Annual Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards, our Sweet 16.

I'm Shuler Hensley.

- I'm Beth Keener.

- And I'm Chelsea Phillips Tafoya.

- Together- (audience applauding) we are thrilled to be your hosts this evening for what is guaranteed to be a very Sweet 16 celebration.

- That's right, Shuler, and over the next two hours, we'll recognize excellence in Georgia high school musical theater, with some of the most talented student artists, performers, and production teams from across the state.

- Mm-hmm.

Musical theater unites us, whether through a showstopping number, or a heartfelt ballad, reminding us that in life's grand production, we are all connected.

- Tonight, we also honor the teachers who enrich students' lives through art and celebrate the students for embracing their best selves.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - That's right.

We're not just celebrating the songs and stories that bring people together, but also the unique power that lies within each and every one of us, and every one of you.

In a world where our differences can sometimes feel like a barrier, musical theater is a bridge to connection and community.

- Mm-hmm, now before we kick things off, let's talk socials.

Now, you'll wanna be following ArtsBridge Foundation on your feeds, and you'll definitely wanna use #Shulers2024 on everything you post.

You all got it?

Okay, that's Schulers24, so get posting, peeps!

(audience cheering) - And now, on with the show!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Woo-hoo!

Well, here to present the first award of the evening is the President of ArtsBridge Foundation's Board of Directors.

- Please welcome Joanne Truffleman.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (exciting music) The work of a skilled orchestra serves as proof that the whole is frequently greater than the sum of its parts.

When musicians come together, they create soaring melodies, or toe-tapping tunes.

The audience is reminded of the power of working in harmony.

And can't we all benefit from more harmony in this world today?

(audience cheering) The nominees for the Best Orchestra are- (exciting music) - [Announcer] Jim Palmer, Allatoona High School, "Mary Poppins".

Daniel Scott, Cambridge High School, "Shrek: The Musical".

Mark Alexandre Barbe, Dunwoody High School, "Chicago: High School Edition".

Ashley Peeler.

(audience cheering) Hiram High School.

"Disney's The Little Mermaid".

Adam Brooks, North Atlanta High School.

"Mean Girls: High School Version".

Thomas Chafin, Wheeler High School.

"High Society".

(audience cheering) - All right, let's find out who won.

The Shuler Award for the Best Orchestra goes to, drum roll.

(audience drumming) North Atlanta High School, Adam Brooks.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) (exciting music) (exciting music continues) - Adam Brooks is not here tonight, but I'm representing Atlanta Public Schools, so thank you so much.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) Thank you to all the teachers who do remarkable things for our students.

It matters what we do, and the arts matter, so thank you.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) (bright inspiring music) - Happy Sweet 16th.

(audience cheering) I'm sorry I can't be with you.

I have been with you via video, I think, for 16 years at the Shuler Awards.

A lot of you in the audience weren't even born when I started.

But I just wanna say good on you guys for showing up.

I love how passionate you are, and how enthusiastic you are.

Never, ever lose it.

It doesn't matter what you do, what level of theater you do.

Do it because you love it.

And I just wanna make a special shoutout this year to all the teachers.

All those teachers in the room, give them a round of applause.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) I'm really happy recording, otherwise that'd be really weird.

I just wanna say all the teachers who dedicate so much time outside of working hours, all those late nights, all the thinking, all the preparation, all the love, and all the care, and all the support you give to those students, I've benefited from some of the greatest teachers, and I wouldn't be here today without them, so thank you to all the teachers, and thank you all for being here, and as we say in Australia, cheers.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - These kids are surely off to a great start.

We've got one down, and a whole lot more important awards to go.

Now, throughout tonight's program, we'll be treated to six standout performances from some of the most memorable musicals the theater has to offer.

We'll visit the worlds of mystery, murder, mysteriousness, fairy tales, and handsome princes, take a trip to Neverland, and pay a call to everyone's favorite mysterious and spooky family.

You know the one I'm talking about.

(snaps fingers) (audience cheering) Huh?

But first, let's hop on an ocean liner crossing the Atlantic.

Featuring the music of Cole Porter, "Anything Goes" is a classic show filled with comedy, romance, and cases of mistaken identity.

Now, what do you think is more difficult to navigate?

The ocean Atlantic liner, or a love triangle?

Please welcome the cast of Greenbrier High School as they perform one of the show's most memorable numbers.

Uh-huh, y'all give it up for "Blow, Gabriel, Blow".

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (soft jazzy music) - Do you hear that playin'?

(trumpet playing) - [All] Do you hear that playin'?

- Do you know who's playin'?

- [All] No, who is that playin'?

♪ Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow ♪ ♪ Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow ♪ ♪ I've been a sinner, I've been a scamp ♪ ♪ But now I'm willing to trim my lamp ♪ ♪ So blow, Gabriel, blow ♪ Once I was headed for hell ♪ One I was headed for hell ♪ But when I got to Satan's door ♪ ♪ I heard you blowin' on your horn once more ♪ ♪ So I said, Satan farewell ♪ And now I'm all ready to fly ♪ Yes, to fly higher and higher ♪ ♪ 'Cause I've gone through brimstone ♪ ♪ And I've been through the fire ♪ ♪ And I purged my soul, and my heart too ♪ ♪ So climb up the mountaintop ♪ And start to blow, Gabriel, blow Gabriel ♪ ♪ Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow ♪ ♪ Blow, Gabriel ♪ I wanna join your happy band ♪ And play all day in the Promised Land ♪ ♪ So blow, Gabriel, blow (exciting jazz music) (exciting jazz music continues) ♪ Once I was headed for hell ♪ Once I was headed for hell ♪ But when I got to Satan's door ♪ ♪ I heard you blowin' on your horn once more ♪ ♪ So I said, Satan, farewell ♪ Now I'm all ready to fly ♪ Yes, to fly higher and higher ♪ ♪ Because I've gone through brimstone ♪ ♪ And I've been through the fire ♪ ♪ And I purged my soul ♪ And my heart, too ♪ So climb up the mountaintop ♪ And start to blow, Gabriel, blow ♪ ♪ Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow ♪ ♪ I wanna join your happy band ♪ And play all day in the promised land ♪ ♪ So blow, Gabriel (audience cheering) (all clapping) ♪ Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow ♪ ♪ Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow ♪ ♪ I wanna join your happy band ♪ Play all day in the Promised Land ♪ ♪ So blow (trumpet blaring) ♪ Blow ♪ Blow, Gabriel ♪ Blow ♪ Blow (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (bright inspiring music) - Hi, Shuler family.

It's McKenzie Kurtz here.

I'm currently playing Cassandra in "The Heart of Rock and Roll" on Broadway, but I wish I could be there with you all to celebrate tonight.

16 years.

I can't believe it.

Happy Sweet 16, Shuler.

I hear the theme this year is Celebrate Being Uniquely You, which I love, because in this industry, it's so important to celebrate our differences.

Only you can bring something different to the table than anyone else, and that is yourself, your identity.

There is only one beautiful, unique you, and it's so important that we recognize and celebrate that.

So I'm sending you guys so much love.

I wish I could be there.

Have the best time.

(blows kiss) Bye!

(audience applauding) - [Announcer] Now, please welcome to the stage acting coach, casting director, and founder of the Thrive Acting Hive, Clifton Gutterman.

(exciting music) (audience applauding) - Sometimes, we see a show and remember a standout performance long after the curtain comes down.

The nominees for this year's Best Featured Performer Award have truly captivated us with stage presence, electrifying energy, and unforgettable characterizations.

So, let's meet them.

Here are the nominees for Best Featured Performer.

(upbeat music) - [Announcer] Abi Bragg, Houston County High School.

"Mean Girls: High School Version".

Caleb Kraft.

(audience cheering) Lakeside High School.

"Mean Girls: High School Version".

Ryan Chalmers, Lambert High School.

"The Mystery of Edwin Drood".

Sammi Iverson, Landmark Christian School.

"Sister Act".

Natalie Lutman.

(audience cheering) Starr's Mill High School.

"Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella".

Isabelle Johnson.

(audience cheering) Trinity Christian School.

"Mary Poppins".

- And the Shuler Award goes to Abi Bragg.

(audience cheering) Houston County High School.

"Mean Girls".

(exciting dramatic music) - Hi!

I just wanna thank everyone who got me here today.

I wanna thank my director, Mr. Taylor.

I wanna thank my family, my mom especially, who always believed in me.

I wanna thank Delaine and Chris, who pushed me beyond belief, and pushed me for this role.

And I just wanna thank God that I got here today.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Congratulations again to this year's Best Featured Performer.

Congrats, Abbi.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) And how about my buddy, Hugh Jackman, making his 16th appearance on this show?

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) Thank you, Hugh.

And now to present our next award is another friend of ours.

Please welcome the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fox Theater Atlanta, Jamie Vosmeier.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - The right costumes can take a good production and elevate it into a great one.

From highly detailed period pieces to contemporary designer fashions, exceptional wardrobe brings the world of theater to life.

And here are your nominations.

(exciting music) - [Announcer] Caitlyn Peebles and Rey Dotson, Greenbrier High School.

"Anything Goes".

Lauren Peters, Ashley Bone, and Jaime Jackson.

Heritage High School Ringgold.

"Disney's Beauty and the Beast".

Kathy Winchell and Michelle Kendrick, King's Ridge Christian School.

"Curtains: School Edition".

Kim Moore, Ridgeland High School.

"The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy".

Kelly Schroder, Ringgold High School.

"Peter Pan".

Charlie Rosenberger and Emily Steele.

Starr's Mill High School.

"Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella".

- And the winner for the Best Costume is Charlie Rosenberger and Emily Steele.

(audience cheering) Starr's Mills High School.

"Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (Broadway Version)".

(exciting music) - Thank you so much.

We would like to thank our directors, Mrs. K. and Dakota Kirkendall for letting us take on this fantastic opportunity.

- We would like to thank the cast and crew of, oh, I'm sorry.

(laughs) The cast and crew of "Cinderella", because you guys are a family, and working with you is a privilege.

- We would like to thank our parents and anybody else who was sweet enough to help out with this process.

It was so much work, but it was so much fun.

I would like to thank my family, and I would like to thank God, and just thank you guys for being here!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - I would like to thank my family too for keeping up with me, and 'cause I know it's hard.

And lastly I wanted to say please check up on people that you care about, because the greatest thing that you can give them is support, and mental health matters, and so look out for your people, please.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Our second overall production performance is for the very young, as well as the young at heart.

"Peter Pan" tells the timeless tale of a boy who refuses to grow up, set in a magical world of Neverland.

There are sword fights and other daring do, and there's some life lessons, too.

So play close attention and you might just learn why some school rules are meant to be broken.

From "Peter Pan", here's Ringgold High School with "I Won't Grow Up".

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Are you ready for today's lesson?

- [All] Yes, Peter!

- Listen to your teacher!

Repeat after me!

(bright exciting music) ♪ I won't grow up, I won't grow up ♪ ♪ I don't wanna go to school ♪ I don't want to go to school ♪ Just to learn to be a parrot, just to learn to be a parrot ♪ ♪ And recite a silly rule, and recite a silly rule ♪ ♪ If growing up means it would be ♪ ♪ Beneath my dignity to climb a tree ♪ ♪ I'll never grow up ♪ Never grow up, never grow up ♪ Not me ♪ Not I ♪ Not me, not me ♪ I won't grow up, I won't grow up ♪ ♪ I don't wanna wear a tie ♪ I don't want to wear a tie ♪ Or a serious expression, or a serious expression ♪ ♪ In the middle of July, in the middle of July ♪ ♪ And if it means I must prepare ♪ ♪ To shoulder burdens with a worried air ♪ ♪ I'll never grow up, never grow up ♪ ♪ Never grow up ♪ Not me ♪ Not I ♪ Not me ♪ So there ♪ Never gonna be a man, I won't ♪ ♪ Like to see somebody try ♪ And make me ♪ Anyone who wants to try ♪ And make me turn into a man ♪ Catch me if you can ♪ I won't grow up, I won't grow up ♪ ♪ Not a penny will I pinch, not a penny will I pinch ♪ ♪ I will never grow a mustache, I will never grow a mustache ♪ ♪ Or a fraction of an inch, or a fraction of an inch ♪ ♪ 'Cause growing up is awfuller ♪ ♪ Than all the awful things that ever were ♪ ♪ I'll never grow up, never grow up ♪ ♪ Never grow up ♪ No sir, not I ♪ Not me ♪ So there (audience cheering) ♪ They won't grow up, they won't grow up ♪ ♪ They will never even try, they will never even try ♪ ♪ They will do what Peter tells them ♪ ♪ They will do ♪ What Peter tells them ♪ And they'll never ask him why ♪ ♪ And they'll never ask him why ♪ ♪ They won't grow up, they won't grow up ♪ ♪ They will never grow a day, they will never grow a day ♪ ♪ And if someone tries to make them ♪ ♪ And if someone tries to make them ♪ ♪ They will simply run away, they will simply run away ♪ ♪ I won't grow up, I won't grow up ♪ ♪ No I promise that I won't, no I promise that I won't ♪ ♪ I will stay a boy forever, I will stay a boy forever ♪ ♪ And be banished if I don't, and be banished if I don't ♪ ♪ And Neverland will always be ♪ The home of youth and joy ♪ And liberty (singer clearing throat) (audience cheering) ♪ I'll never grow up, never grow up ♪ ♪ Never grow up ♪ Not me, not me, not I ♪ I won't, no sir ♪ Not me (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (audience continues cheering and applauding) - And now to make our stage a little brighter while presenting the award for Best Lighting, please welcome the Producing Artistic Director of Atlanta Synchronicity Theater, Rachel May.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - Proper lighting can help draw the audience's attention to a production's most important moments.

Or important speakers, hello?

Can I, can you help me out here?

That's better.

Thank you.

Here are your nominees for Best Lighting.

(upbeat music) - [Announcer] Madison Sprouse and Luke Dowdy.

Greenbrier High School.

(audience cheering) "Anything Goes".

Brett Taylor, Jason Lai, and Tony Le.

Houston County High School.

(audience cheering) "Mean Girls: High School Version".

Adriana Stiebel.

(audience cheering) Morgan County High School.

"9 to 5: The Musical".

Nehemiah Daves and Raleigh Weaver.

Ringgold High School.

(audience cheering) "Peter Pan".

Noah Popp.

Sequoyah High School.

(audience cheering) "Side Show".

Kamryn Campbell.

West Forsyth High School.

(audience cheering) "The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy".

- And the award goes to Madison Sprouse and Luke Dowdy.

Greenbrier High School.

"Anything Goes".

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (casual upbeat music) - Hi!

Oh my gosh.

Thank you so much.

I wanna thank my family, my mom and my dad, and my two brothers, and the amazing cast and crew of this entire show, as well as Steven Hansen, our director.

I would not be here without him at all.

- Thank you so much.

I'd like to thank Madison, and my sister, Lexi, for teaching me everything.

Mr. Hansen for giving this amazing opportunity, and thank you Shulers!

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) (bright inspiring music) - Hello, everyone.

This is Kiara Lee.

I went to Kennesaw Mountain High School and graduated in 2020.

I'm just about to graduate from Carnegie Mellon University and go straight to a Broadway tour.

I am playing Jennifer Parker in "Back to the Future" on Broadway, and I just wanna wish all of you the best of luck at the Shulers tonight.

Just enjoy it, and have so much fun.

I love the Shulers.

They were some of my most favorite memories from high school, and just enjoy tonight, and have so much fun together, everyone.

One teacher that I would like to honor is Miss Parker from Kennesaw Mountain High School who shaped me as a performer, and has gotten me to where I am today.

Have the most amazing time tonight, and best of luck from me.

(blows kiss) (audience applauding) - Picture this.

The stage is bathed in a soft, ethereal glow as the audience holds its breath in anticipation.

Suddenly, the music swells, the curtains part, and our company takes the stage, commanding the house with undeniable presence.

They exude joy and raw emotion with each note, sending shivers down the spine of every spectator.

When the song is over, time seems to stand still, as the crowd struggles to process what it just witnessed, and then, the house erupts in thunderous applause, long and loud.

(audience applauding) Never seeming to end.

That, my friends, is a showstopper.

The Showstopper Award is one of my favorite of the evening, recognizing a performance of pulse-pounding brilliance.

I heard that when our winners took a bow, the entire city of Gainsville was on their feet.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) So without further ado, here's this year's winner of the Showstopper Award, North Hall High School performing "Anastasia's" "Land of Yesterday".

(bright exciting music) ♪ Once I had a palace ♪ Here, merely a flat ♪ I fled with some diamonds ♪ And that was that ♪ It's very tragic ♪ Once ladies-in-waiting ♪ All bending a knee ♪ Now, only one lady-in-waiting, me ♪ ♪ No fanfares, or sedan chairs ♪ And no coaches, and we sold our broaches ♪ ♪ No afternoon card games with the Tsar ♪ ♪ No caviar ♪ But I say we're not dead now ♪ We're not dead now ♪ We're in France instead now ♪ Let us not be sad ♪ The night's young ♪ And Russians are mad ♪ So let's live in the land of yesterday ♪ ♪ Live in the grand imperial heyday ♪ ♪ Let's live in the land of yesterday, Russia ♪ ♪ Husha ♪ Let's put on the fancy clothes ♪ ♪ And let's wile our woes away ♪ In Russia ♪ Land of yesterday (audience cheering) ♪ Hey, hey (all laugh and whoop) ♪ Hey, hey ♪ Hey, hey ♪ Hey, hey (all whooping) (all yelp and laugh) (audience cheering) (all whoop) ♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey ♪ Hey, hey ♪ Hey, hey (all cheering) ♪ Whoa (all whooping) ♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey ♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪ Hey ♪ Hey, hey ♪ Hey, hey (audience laughing) - Hey!

(laughing) Get up!

♪ So here's to Russia ♪ Here's to Russia ♪ Here's to Russia ♪ Land of yesterday ♪ Land of yesterday ♪ Hey (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (audience continues cheering and applauding) - Wow!

That was incredible!

Now I know what the word showstopper means.

- Thanks.

- Oh my gosh.

Jan, as the director of North Hall High School's performance of "Anastasia", tell us why you getting the Showstopper Award was so fitting for your school.

- I think in today's day and age, it is important for us to be good stewards of storytelling, and I think that my favorite storytelling is musical theater, and I am honored and humbled to share the stage tonight with these incredible students.

(audience cheering) - Absolutely.

Well, we can see it.

Thank you so much for sharing your students and all of that talent.

Congratulations again.

Let me hear it one more time!

- Thank you!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - All right, all right.

My girl Beth, I think we're ready for the next award.

Are we?

- Yes we are, Chelsea.

Now by the way, the video wall that you see onstage behind our performers this evening is being brought to you through a partnership between ArtsBridge Foundation and the Atlanta Opera.

So, yes it's beautiful, right?

(audience applauding) It's only fitting that our next presenter is here to give the award for Best Scenic Design, so please welcome the Managing Director of the Atlanta Opera, Micah Fortson.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - All right.

We'll see if this works now.

Can you all hear me?

- [Audience] Yes!

- Excellent.

Well, as you've seen tonight, a video wall is one of the many powerful tools a scenic designer can use to craft a scene that grabs our imagination, suspends our disbelief, and pulls us into the dramatic world.

Often a scenic element can even drive the plot as Lloyd Dallas says, "It's all about doors and sardines."

(audience laughing) Anyway, let's take a look at this year's nominees for Best Scenic Design.

(bright music) - [Announcer] Justice Blakeman and Natalie Navarette.

Greenbrier High School.

(audience cheering) "Anything Goes".

Linda Micki Ankiel.

(audience cheering) Milton High School.

"Into the Woods".

Sarah Martin and Rainey Miles.

(audience cheering) North Forsyth High School.

"Bright Star".

Jan Ewing.

North Hall High School.

(audience cheering) "Anastasia".

Kelly Schroeder.

Ringgold High School.

(audience cheering) "Peter Pan".

Nicholas Morrett.

Wheeler High School.

"High Society".

(audience cheering) - All right.

And the Shuler Award for Best Scenic Design goes to, let me see if I can get out the first syllable before you all go nuts.

Sarah Martin and Rainey Miles.

(audience cheering) North Forsyth High School.

"Bright Star".

(exciting music) - Thank you!

Hi!

I would love to thank God!

I love you, Jesus!

Thank you to my parents, thank you to our lovely director, Miss Martin, thank you to Rainey Miles.

She has brought me so much joy, and it's been such an amazing friendship, and thank you God again.

- Just thank you to our whole troupe.

I love all of you.

Colleen Martin, I love all of you!

I love my parents, and I'm just so grateful for this place, and I love you all.

- Thank you!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Where do we go?

(bright inspiring music) - What's up, Georgia Shuler Awards?

My name is Charlie Webb.

(audience cheering) I was a Shuler Award winner back in 2020.

I've been working on Broadway since 2023.

I was more recently in a production of "Parade on Broadway", and now I am in "The Notebook" on Broadway.

I just wanted to say everyone performing tonight to break legs, to be yourself, to breathe, and at the end of the day, this is art.

This is creativity at its finest, and to have fun tonight.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - We've arrived at a very special moment in the evening.

Our first of two leading performer medleys.

As is tradition, I'm joined onstage by last year's winners of the Best Leading Actress- (audience cheering) and Actor Awards.

Emily Marks, and Trever Arnold.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Hey, Shuler!

It is great to be here for the Sweet 16 Shuler Awards.

- Agreed.

And it's even more fun when you don't have to worry about performing.

(audience laughing) - I'm sure that's true.

So tell us more about what last year's experience was like for you both.

Any words of wisdom for this year's nominees?

- Well, winning Best Leading Actress was a dream come true, and that night was a total whirlwind.

- That's right.

Which is why I recommend that all the nominees relax, take a deep breath, and just try to enjoy the moment.

- Great advice.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - But, but, but.

Before we begin the medley, we have one more thing to share.

- To celebrate the Shuler's Sweet 16, we're doing something a little bit different this year.

- That's right.

In past years, we've divided up the two medley performances between the Best Leading Actor nominees and the Best Leading Actress nominees.

But tonight, we'll be mixing it up with medleys featuring nominees from both categories.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Variety is the spice of life, they say.

- And medleys put the spice in award shows.

I'm excited to see what our nominees have in store.

- Well, why wait?

Please welcome your first group of Leading Performer nominees.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Is everybody here?

Is everybody ready?

Hit it!

(soft jazz music) (audience cheering) ♪ I don't care about expensive things ♪ ♪ Cashmere coats, diamond rings ♪ ♪ Don't mean a thing ♪ All I care about is love ♪ I don't care for driving Packard cars ♪ ♪ Or smoking long, buck cigars ♪ No, no, not me ♪ All I care about is ♪ Doin' the guy in ♪ Who's pickin' on you ♪ Twistin' the wrist ♪ That's turnin' the screw ♪ All I care about ♪ Is love (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (soft jazz music) ♪ Love is kind and considerate ♪ Love is peaceful and fair ♪ Love can creep up so suddenly ♪ ♪ When you least think of it ♪ Your love is there ♪ We all want a world ♪ Filled with peace and with joy ♪ ♪ With plenty of justice for each girl and boy ♪ ♪ That bright shining world ♪ Is just waiting to start ♪ No anger or badness ♪ Just laughter and gladness (audience cheering) ♪ If only you follow ♪ Your heart (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (bright exciting music) - It's no shame to be poor, but it's no great honor, either!

So what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune?

♪ If I were rich ♪ I'd have the time that I lack ♪ ♪ To sit in the synagogue and pray ♪ ♪ That would be the sweetest thing of all ♪ ♪ If I were a rich man ♪ Ya ba dibba, ya ba dibba ♪ Ya ba dibba dibba dumb ♪ All day long I'd biddy biddy bum ♪ ♪ If I were a wealthy man ♪ A hey ♪ I wouldn't have to work hard ♪ Ya ba dibba, ya ba dibba ♪ Ya ba dibba, dibba, dum ♪ Lord, who made it the lion and the lamb ♪ ♪ You decreed I should be what I am ♪ ♪ Would it spoil some vast eternal plan ♪ ♪ If I were a wealthy man (audience cheering) (audience applauding) ♪ I have a place where dreams are born ♪ ♪ And time is never planned ♪ It is not on any chart ♪ You must find it with your heart ♪ ♪ Never Never Land ♪ You'll have a treasure if you stay there ♪ ♪ More precious far than gold ♪ For once you have found your way there ♪ ♪ You can never, never grow old ♪ ♪ And that's my home where dreams are born ♪ ♪ And time is never planned ♪ Just think of lovely things ♪ And your heart will fly on wings ♪ ♪ Forever ♪ In Never Never Land (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (exciting music) (audience cheering) ♪ Stop ♪ When you send five texts and you get none back ♪ ♪ So you wanna send a sixth one ♪ ♪ Stop ♪ You gotta stop ♪ Stop ♪ When you're failing math ♪ 'Cause you think it's more attractive to guys ♪ ♪ If you're stupid ♪ Stop ♪ Do better and stop ♪ As right as it may seem ♪ To overshare, troll, or meme ♪ That's just low self-esteem ♪ In your brain like a bull in a china shop ♪ ♪ Stop being glued to your phone ♪ ♪ Counting followers and likes ♪ And ignoring your friends ♪ Hey ♪ Stop, stop, stop ♪ We can't stop ♪ Stop, stop, stop ♪ We can't stop ♪ Stop, stop, stop ♪ You really gotta stop ♪ Honestly, everyone, stop ♪ Hey (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (soft wistful music) ♪ I have no choice ♪ I have to do it ♪ Face the future, walk into it, into it ♪ ♪ Now that I'm unfettered and unbound ♪ ♪ Get out and stay out ♪ I've finally had enough ♪ Finally had enough ♪ Don't kiss me on your way out ♪ ♪ It wouldn't move me much ♪ Wouldn't move her much ♪ You used me, abused me ♪ You cheated and you lied ♪ So get out, and stay out ♪ I'm taking back my life ♪ My life (audience cheering) (audience applauding) - As our representatives, ArtsBridge Foundation's adjudicators connect with students throughout the state to encourage, inspire, motivate, and advocate for them, and that's why they are the heart and soul of the Shuler Awards.

- Each year, our adjudicators make an enormous effort to evaluate high school performances from Atlanta to Valdosta, and everywhere in between, drawing on their experiences in fields such as performing, directing, acting, technology, and education.

They carefully evaluate all aspects of each production across a wide range of categories.

- That's right, and once all the nominations are in, our partners at the accounting firm of Bennett and Thrasher tabulate the votes and submit the results, which we are excited to share with you here tonight.

- Mm-hmm.

And we also wanna extend our gratitude to our tireless Advisory Committee.

Musically speaking, they are the key in which our show plays, and let's just say they truly keep us in pitch, okay?

So thanks to all of you for doing it for us here at the Shulers.

- And now, to present our next award, please welcome Steven Stages Theater's Destiny Renee and Heidi Howard.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - As Education Director of Seven Stages Theater, I've seen firsthand the impact of the collaborative process in pulling off a complex production.

- It's true, and as Artistic Director and former theater technician and designer, I can say from experience that successful technical execution of a production allows the story to be told loud and clear.

- Let's meet this year's nominees for Best Technical Execution.

(upbeat music) - [Announcer] Kirk Grizzle.

Denmark High School.

(audience cheering) "Mean Girls: High School Version".

Abigail Fullerton.

Greenbrier High School.

"Anything Goes".

Melissa Oliver and Matthew Clemente.

(audience cheering) Milton High School.

"Into the Woods".

Brandon Rose and Camila Bryans.

Morgan County High School.

"9 to 5: The Musical".

Brianna Marker, Rainey Miles, and Sarah Martin.

North Forsyth High School.

"Bright Star".

Kelly Schroder, Nehemiah Daves, and Masey McCorkle.

Ringgold High School.

"Peter Pan".

- And the Shuler goes to, Kelly Schroder- (audience cheering) Nehemiah Daves, and Masey McCorkle!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (exciting music) - Thank you!

Thank you.

All right, you're gonna talk first.

- Hi!

I just want to give a big thanks to the cast and crew of "Peter Pan", and I love you all so much.

And I would also like to thank my mom and my dad and my grandma, and all my family.

And I would also like to thank Kelly Schroder.

And I just want you guys to know to never give up, and always believe in yourself, because you can do it.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - So this was our first time flying anyone in our theater, and it's a pretty big undertaking, so I wanna take a minute to thank the RHSPA Flight Club, which is our group of seven volunteers who sacrificed hours and hours- (audience cheering) of their time to man our flight lines.

They're in the audience.

You're hearing them right now.

To man our flight lines backstage.

It was such a big undertaking.

I wanna thank ZFX Flying, and our flight instructor, Johnny Picket, and I wanna thank our administration and our school board for approving such a thing to happen at our theater.

Thank you so much!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Strap yourselves in, because it's time for another Best Overall Production nominee.

"Curtains"- (audience cheering) is a backstage story covering the events that followed the murder of the show's leading lady during the opening night curtain call.

With the cast and crew forbidden to leave the theater, it's a race against time to catch the killer before they strike again.

Here's King's Ridge Christian School with "Show People".

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Putting on a musical has gotta be one of the most fulfilling things a person can ever hope to do!

(soft piano note) ♪ You're a special kind of people ♪ ♪ Known as show people ♪ You live in a world of your own ♪ ♪ The audience paid plenty ♪ To sit there and clap ♪ Hearing you sing ♪ Watching you tap ♪ Did you know your dentist wants to be ♪ ♪ In show business ♪ Your window washer wants to be a star ♪ ♪ And though your analyst may never count it that way ♪ - Analyst couch!

Ha!

♪ You don't know how lucky you are ♪ ♪ Ask your cleaning lady don't you dream of show business ♪ ♪ To vocalize or stretch beside a barre ♪ ♪ And my tree surgeon now ♪ Started taking a bow A bow, get it?

B-O-U-G-H?

♪ You don't know how lucky you are ♪ ♪ We're a special kind of people ♪ ♪ Known as show people ♪ We live in a world of our own ♪ ♪ Our days are tied to curtains ♪ ♪ They rise and they fall ♪ We're born every night ♪ At half hour call - Half hour!

♪ We can't picture being anything but show people ♪ ♪ Civilians find the whole thing quite bizarre ♪ ♪ But that hop in our hearts ♪ When the overture starts ♪ Helps us know how lucky we are ♪ (audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Show people!

Show people!

Come on, everybody!

(audience cheering) ♪ It's an honor and a joy ♪ To be in show business ♪ I feel that spotlight hit me ♪ And I'm gone ♪ At the last curtain call ♪ I'm the envy of all ♪ So I know ♪ The show must ♪ Go on ♪ So thrilling, we're show people ♪ ♪ And on ♪ So thrilling, we're show people ♪ ♪ And on ♪ So thrilling that show people ♪ ♪ Go on (audience applauding) (audience cheering) - I'm here with Roswell High School's Slade Searcy.

Last year, Roswell won the Shuler Award for Best Overall Production, and well congratulations on that.

- Thank you so much.

- Well, I heard that this year, your show nearly faced disaster.

- Yes.

So the sound system dropped the afternoon of opening.

- Oh my.

So what'd you do?

- So we reached out to some of the local schools, and several of the schools got back to us, one of them being Alpharetta High School, and they came to our rescue.

And we were able to actually open that night with their sound system.

- That's incredible.

Is there anything else?

- Yes, Beth.

I just wanna say that our story shows the spirit of community that happens across the theater world every single day.

I love the way that it exemplifies the way we all help each other and support each other.

And I really wanna say thank you to all the schools that offered to come to our rescue.

- You know, this is just another example of how the members of our community support one another.

Thank you, community!

We appreciate you!

Theater people unite!

(audience applauding) And now, here to present the next award is our friend, Executive Vice President and chief operating officer of the Delta Community Credit Union, and long-time supporter of the Shulers, Matthew Shepherd.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - The power of music can shape our emotions, guiding us along a transformational theatrical journey.

When music and story effectively serve one another, a production can achieve heights as extraordinary as the highest musical notes.

Notes that, for the benefit of everyone here, I've been warned against trying to hit.

(audience laughing) Here are your nominees for Best Music Direction.

(audience cheering) (upbeat music) - [Announcer] Kerry Halbert.

Glynn Academy.

(audience cheering) "Chicago: High School Edition".

Lily Wenzel and Justice Blakeman.

(audience cheering) Greenbrier High School.

"Anything Goes".

Jenny Piacente.

(audience cheering) King's Ridge Christian School.

"Curtains: School Edition".

Brayden Roach and Jadyn Hatch.

(audience cheering) Ringgold High School.

"Peter Pan".

Rachel Munn.

(audience cheering) South Forsyth High School.

"Urinetown: The Musical".

Dakota Kuykendall and Julian Agudelo.

Starr's Mill High School.

"Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella".

- And the Shuler Award for Best Musical Direction goes to Brayden Roach and Jadyn Hatch.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) Ringgold High School.

(cheerful music) - Whoa!

- Wow!

First, I would love to thank my lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

(audience cheering) I would love to thank the cast and crew of "Peter Pan" for making this possible.

I wanna thank our amazing directors.

I wanna thank my family for all their support.

- Whoa, okay.

We would like to thank our parents, our directors, everyone who has helped us with our show.

Our leads are so amazing, and they have helped our show so much to grow, and we'd just love to thank ArtsBridge for this opportunity.

Thank you so much!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Now, did you guys hear?

The prince is giving a ball.

(audience cheering) And we're all invited!

So let's take a detour, hop in our carriage, travel to a land of wicked stepsisters, and enchanted pumpkins for the fourth overall performance, and, uh, oh, we're running late!

So let's hurry!

The ball started ♪ 10 minutes ago And coincidentally, that's also the name of this song.

From "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella", give it up for Starr's Mill High School.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (bright romantic music) (bright romantic music continues) (bright romantic music continues) (soft romantic music) (soft romantic music continues) (soft romantic music continues) (soft romantic music continues) (intriguing music) (intriguing music continues) (intriguing music continues) ♪ 10 minutes ago, 10 minutes ago ♪ ♪ And we murmured our how do you do's ♪ ♪ I wanted to ring out the bells ♪ ♪ And fling out my arms ♪ And sing out my news ♪ I have found her, I have found her ♪ ♪ She's an angel ♪ With the dust of the stars in her eyes ♪ ♪ We are dancing ♪ We are flying ♪ And she's taking me back to the skies ♪ ♪ In the arms of my love I'm flying ♪ ♪ Over mountain and meadow and glen ♪ ♪ And I like it so well ♪ That for all I can tell, I like it so well ♪ ♪ And I like it so well, I may never ♪ ♪ Never, never come down ♪ May never come down to earth ♪ Come down to earth again (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (bright inspiring music) - Hello, Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards.

I am Phillip Boykin.

I'm currently playing the role of Hades in "Hadestown" on Broadway, and I wanted to take some time out to just say good luck to all of you, and I also wanted to acknowledge one of my teachers who was very instrumental in my career, the late Marjorie Bennett.

She allowed me to explore all of my gifts and talent.

She allowed me to do choreography for shows, and for the choirs, to direct the choirs, and even, I started a gospel choir at my high school in Greenville, South Carolina.

And so, I just wanna say good luck, and have a wonderful evening.

(bright inspiring music) (audience applauding) - The shoutouts have been amazing tonight.

Broadway is in the house in more ways than one.

Now please welcome to the stage, the National Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and member of the ArtsBridge Foundation Board of Directors, Imara Canady.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - Hello!

Is this not a powerful and important evening?

Are we having a great time?

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) Yes!

You know, it's so interesting, throughout life, you can find greatness in the most unexpected places, and yes, it can sometimes be true that supporting roles aren't always the center of attention, but I tell you, when they involve great performers, they oftentimes steal the show.

So this category actually has two winners.

But before we find out who they are, let's learn about all of tonight's nominees.

(exciting music) - [Announcer] Kinsley Stephens.

(audience cheering) Dalton High School.

"Fiddler on the Roof".

Thea Valencia.

(audience cheering) Denmark High School.

"Mean Girls: High School Version".

Haley Binford.

(audience cheering) Duluth High School.

"Godspell: The Musical".

Emma McLelland.

(audience cheering) Glynn Academy.

"Chicago: High School Edition".

Nolan Toney.

(audience cheering) Greenbrier High School.

"Anything Goes".

Avry Bowman.

(audience cheering) Lakeside High School.

"Mean Girls: High School Version".

Maggie Bailey.

Milton High School.

(audience cheering) "Into the Woods".

Sora Rose.

(audience cheering) Morgan County High School.

"9 to 5: The Musical".

Forrest Hill.

North Hall High School.

(audience cheering) "Anastasia".

Michael Light.

(audience cheering) North Hall High School.

"Anastasia".

Sean Traynor.

(audience cheering) South Forsyth High School.

"Urinetown: The Musical".

Charlie Rosenberger (audience cheering) Starr's Mill High School.

"Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella".

- Okay.

Now remember, we have two winners in this category, so we ask that you please hold your applause until both names are called.

Are we ready?

(audience cheering) All right.

The winners for Best Supporting, ugh, oh, there we go.

(audience laughing) Our first winner is Charlie Rosenberger, Starr's Mill High School.

(audience cheering) And our second winner, Avry Bowman.

(audience cheering) Lakeside High School.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (exciting music) (exciting music continues) - Oh my god!

Oh my goodness.

I just wanna say thank you to my directors and my family, and everyone who put me in this place today.

I never thought this would happen.

I'm shaking right now!

(audience cheering) Thank you!

- Wow, hi!

I would once again like to thank the Kirkendalls.

I can stand up here and give you a million thank yous.

I won't.

But I can, and it will not be enough to show my gratitude towards you and the fact that you have changed my life forever.

Thank you to the cast and crew of "Cinderella".

I owe this to you.

You got me to this.

(exciting music) And thank you to my family!

(blows kiss) Love you!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - In tonight's fifth overall production performance, Morticia Addams- (audience cheering) reflects upon the challenges facing her family.

We like it!

And the uncertainty about her future.

Families, we know the deal.

Despite the song's comically dark tone, I think you'll agree that it has some uplifting messages, perfect for today's times.

Enjoy every moment, because life is fleeting.

From "The Addams Family", here is West Forsyth High School's performance of "Just Around the Corner".

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (soft music) ♪ My daughter's getting married ♪ ♪ I can't believe it's true ♪ She doesn't ask her parents ♪ Before she says I do ♪ And what about my husband ♪ Oblivious, naive ♪ This evening's getting serious ♪ ♪ These Ohioans won't leave ♪ But I can't let these latest problems ♪ ♪ Rob me of my bliss ♪ For when I'm scared of true disaster ♪ ♪ I remember this ♪ Death is just around the corner ♪ ♪ Waiting patiently to strike ♪ One unplanned electrocution ♪ That's the kind of end ♪ I can comprehend ♪ When I'm feeling uninspired ♪ Or I need a little spree ♪ I'm reborn knowing death is just around the corner ♪ ♪ Coming after me ♪ Some people die from public stoning ♪ ♪ Faulty wiring, faulty zoning ♪ Cherry pits they didn't know were there ♪ ♪ It could be by a jungle cat ♪ A slippery mat ♪ A baseball bat ♪ Perhaps an unsuccessful love affair ♪ (performer sobbing) ♪ It could be on a speeding train ♪ ♪ It could be underwater ♪ It could be too much Novocain ♪ ♪ Or even by your daughter ♪ Perhaps a bad mosquito bite ♪ A title fight ♪ Religious rite ♪ My darlings, it might even be tonight ♪ ♪ Death is just around the corner ♪ (audience cheering) ♪ No one's ever been immune ♪ Turning off a respirator ♪ With a simple click ♪ Scandalously quick ♪ I can face a new tomorrow ♪ If I make it past today ♪ I feel good saying death is just around the corner ♪ ♪ Swiftly on its way (exciting playful music) (audience cheering) (exciting playful music continues) ♪ Death is just around the corner ♪ ♪ And you have to heed the call ♪ ♪ Don't ask why ♪ For your death is just around the corner ♪ ♪ You and I ♪ Happy being both the mourned and mourner ♪ ♪ Say goodbye ♪ Because death is just around the corner ♪ ♪ Coming for us all (audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Wow!

Okay, pro move with the mic.

West Forsyth High School.

Death may or may not be just around the corner, but I prefer to focus on the positive things that lie ahead, like the Shuler Award for Best Sound.

And here to present it is the Executive Director of Georgians for the Arts, Waduda Muhammad.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - From tiny whispers to rustling leaves, and earth-shattering crescendos, the sounds of a performance serves as a key to the magic of musical theater.

Our next award celebrates the wizards behind the scenes, whose meticulous attention to sound transports audiences to fantastical kingdoms and faraway lands.

The nominees for Best Sound are.

(exciting music) - [Announcer] Brian Murphy.

Glynn Academy.

(audience cheering) "Chicago: High School Edition".

Fiona Reggelin.

Greenbrier High School.

(audience cheering) "Anything Goes".

Steve Harriton.

King's Ridge Christian School.

(audience cheering) "Curtains: School Edition".

Isabella Owens.

Milton High School.

(audience cheering) "Into the Woods".

Amelia Ellison and Dakota Kuykendall.

(audience cheering) Starr's Mill High School.

"Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella".

Rebecca Stern and Gabriel Stull.

(audience cheering) West Forsyth High School.

"The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy".

- And the award for Best Sound goes to Fiona Reggelin of Greenbrier High School.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (exciting music) - Thank you so, so, so much.

I'm so honored to be here.

Thank you so much to my parents in Germany who gave me this amazing opportunity to do my exchange year here.

Thank you so much (audience cheering) to Mr. Hansen!

Also I'm so grateful for the cast and the crew for your support all the time.

Thank you, thank you so, so much.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Emily, Trevor, it's almost that time.

We're about to give out this year's awards for Best Leading Actor and Best Leading Actress, but before we do, I have a question.

Is it true that you call the Best Performer nominees the Georgia Dozen?

- Yes, Shuler.

That's true.

- We're not sure who came up with it, but it's a great name.

And even though Trevor and I were the only two lucky enough to go to the Jimmy Awards in New York, we were there representing all 12 of us in the category.

- Yeah, which I think that speaks to the bond we all share.

And it also speaks to the strength of the theater community in the state of Georgia, which I think this audience knows very well, right?

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Love it!

So are you ready to see the remaining members of this year's Georgia Dozen in our second leading performer medley?

- You bet we are!

- Take it away!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.

♪ You find the fun, and snap ♪ The job's a game ♪ And every task you undertake ♪ Becomes a piece of cake ♪ A lark, a spree ♪ It's very clear to see (audience cheering) ♪ That a spoonful of sugar ♪ Helps the medicine go down ♪ The medicine go down ♪ Medicine go down ♪ Just a spoonful of sugar ♪ Helps the medicine go down ♪ In the most delightful way ♪ In the most delightful way ♪ Just a spoonful of sugar ♪ Helps the medicine go down ♪ The medicine go down ♪ Medicine go down ♪ Just a spoonful of sugar ♪ Helps the medicine go down ♪ In the most delightful way ♪ In the most delightful ♪ In the most delightful way (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (soft music) ♪ When did she get to be a beauty ♪ ♪ When did he get to be so tall ♪ ♪ Wasn't it yesterday when they were small ♪ (audience cheering) ♪ Sunrise, sunset ♪ Sunrise, sunset ♪ Swiftly fly the years ♪ One season following another ♪ Laden with happiness ♪ And tears (audience cheering) (exciting music) ♪ When you're driving through the moonlight ♪ ♪ On the highway ♪ When you're driving through the moonlight to the dance ♪ ♪ You are breathless with a wild anticipation ♪ ♪ Of adventure, and excitement, and romance ♪ ♪ Then at last you see the towers of the palace ♪ ♪ Silhouetted on the sky above the park ♪ ♪ And below them is a row of lighted windows ♪ ♪ Like a lovely diamond necklace in the dark ♪ ♪ The stars in hazy heaven tremble above you ♪ ♪ While he's whispering ♪ Darling, I love you ♪ You say goodbye ♪ Away you fly ♪ But on your lips you keep a kiss ♪ ♪ All your life you'll dream of this ♪ ♪ Lovely, lovely ♪ Lovely, lovely night (audience cheering) - You think some teabag's got one tiny fraction of your brains, your looks?

Your- (soft piano music) ♪ At words poetic, I'm so pathetic ♪ ♪ That I always have found it best ♪ ♪ Instead of getting 'em off my chest ♪ ♪ To let 'em rest unexpressed ♪ Now gifted humans like Vincent Youmans ♪ ♪ Might think your song is bad ♪ But I've got a notion ♪ I'll second the motion ♪ And this is what I'm going to add ♪ ♪ You're the top ♪ You're a dance in Bali ♪ You're the top ♪ You're a hot tamale ♪ You're an angel ♪ You're simply too, too, too diveen ♪ ♪ You're a Boticcelli ♪ You're Keats ♪ You're Shelley ♪ You're Ovaltine ♪ You're a boon ♪ You're the dam at Boulder ♪ You're the moon ♪ Over Mae West's shoulder ♪ I'm the nominee of the GOP ♪ Or gop ♪ But if, baby, I'm the bottom ♪ You're the top ♪ You're the top ♪ You're a Waldorf salad ♪ You're the top ♪ You're a Berlin ballad ♪ You're the boats that glide on the sleepy Zuiderzee ♪ ♪ You're an old Dutch master ♪ You're Lady Astor ♪ You're broccoli ♪ You're romance ♪ You're the steppes of Russia ♪ You're the pants ♪ On a Roxy usher ♪ I'm a broken doll ♪ A foldero ♪ A blop ♪ But if, baby, I'm the bottom ♪ You're the top (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (soft exciting music) (audience cheering) ♪ At the top, at the top, at the top of the world ♪ ♪ You're drawing back the curtain ♪ ♪ At the top, at the top, at the top of the world ♪ ♪ There, you'll know for certain ♪ ♪ That you're alive ♪ And you are free ♪ So follow me ♪ To the top of the world ♪ Up ♪ Up here ♪ Up here ♪ I'll go out on a limb ♪ Walk a tightrope wire ♪ From the highest height ♪ Yes, I'll risk it all ♪ Give me a barrel ♪ Guess who'll find a waterfall ♪ ♪ At the top, at the top ♪ At the top of the world ♪ My head and heart are pounding ♪ ♪ At the top, at the top ♪ At the top of the world ♪ I hear my voice resounding ♪ I'm alive ♪ And I am free ♪ So look at me ♪ At the top ♪ Of the world (audience cheering) (audience applauding) - [Announcer] Once again, your nominees for Best Performance by a Leading Actress and Actor.

(exciting music) Morgan Morrell.

Allatoona High School.

(audience cheering) "Mary Poppins".

Azure Morris.

Chattahoochee High School.

(audience cheering) "9 to 5: The Musical".

Lily Wenzel.

(audience cheering) Greenbrier High School.

"Anything Goes".

Ivy O'Neal.

(audience cheering) Ringgold High School.

"Peter Pan".

Arya Nayak.

(audience cheering) South Forsyth High School.

"Urinetown: The Musical".

Katie Williams.

Starr's Mill High School.

(audience cheering) "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella".

Hayden Poe.

(audience cheering) Dalton High School.

"Fiddler on the Roof".

Josiah Nichols.

(audience cheering) Flynn Academy.

"Chicago: High School Edition".

Matthew Cortes.

(audience cheering) Greenbrier High School.

"Anything Goes".

Diego Reyes.

(audience cheering) Lakeside High School.

"Mean Girls: High School Version".

Viraj Ramgopal.

(audience cheering) Lanier High School.

"Tuck Everlasting".

DJ Horton.

(audience cheering) Providence Christian Academy.

"Fiddler on the Roof".

- Okay.

I'm going to announce both winners, so please, please hold your applause until both names are announced so they can hear backstage.

The winners of the awards for Best Leading Performs are Hayden Poe and Ivy O'Neal.

(audience cheering) Ivy O'Neal!

Dalton High School and Ringgold High School.

(exciting music) - Oh my god!

Oh my god!

Oh my goodness!

Oh god.

Thank you so much!

I just wanna thank God, thank you Jesus, for allowing me to be here tonight.

Just thank you!

(audience cheering) Thank you to my family, thank you to my mom, my dad, my grandparents that are here today.

Thank you to my cast!

I'm sorry.

Thank you to my director!

And the beautiful, wonderful nominees that are backstage!

I love them, thank you guys so much!

(audience cheering) - I wanna thank God, most importantly.

I wanna thank my parents, my mom and dad.

I wanna thank my friends and family- (exciting music) Both of the Steven families.

I wanna thank all my directors, Shane and Finney, and I wanna thank Beth in ArtsBridge.

And all my fellow nominees!

Everyone's a winner here!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Our next presenter is pretty much a Shuler's legend.

She's a previous winner for Best Director, and Best Choreography.

Please welcome the founder and Executive Director of Lambert Smith Media, Jade Maia Lambert.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - It's so good to be home.

If you notice, I'm teary-eyed, 'cause I just watched the lead performs in the wings wishing each other luck, and loving each other up as the winners were announced.

That's what Shulers is all about, the beauty of this work!

(audience applauding) You all are amazing!

(laughing) Yes!

Choreography is all about the precise movements of performance through space.

Dancing, tumbling, or simply walking across the stage.

As the saying goes, every movement tells a story.

And your Shuler nominees for Best Choreography told their stories oh so well.

Let's meet them now.

(upbeat music) - [Announcer] Anderson Sanders.

(audience cheering) Glynn Academy.

"Chicago: High School Edition".

Brynna Hedgecock and Taryn Hooks.

(audience cheering) Greenbrier High School.

"Anything Goes".

Claci Miller Juday.

(audience cheering) King's Ridge Christian School.

"Curtains: School Edition".

Harry Faal and Julia Scoggins.

Lanier High School.

"Tuck Everlasting".

Sophia Thomas, Cherish Headrick, and Luke Garverick.

(audience cheering) Ringgold High School.

"Peter Pan".

Katie Williams.

(audience cheering) Starr's Mill High School.

"Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella".

- And the Shuler goes to (giggling) Sophia Thomas, Cherish Headrick, and Luke Garverick!

(audience cheering) Ringgold High School, "Peter Pan"!

(exciting music) - Oh!

Oh my gosh.

Wow.

I just wanna say thank you so much to my family and friends, and the amazing cast and crew of "Peter Pan".

This wouldn't have been possible without them.

And I just wanna say thank you to God for all these opportunities.

This is so amazing.

Thank you!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - All of this wouldn't have been possible without our amazing directors, Janay Ellis and Kelly Schroder.

They have worked so hard behind the scenes for our show, and they've always made sure our show has gone perfectly.

They give us so many opportunities to show our talents onstage.

- And also we wanna say thank you to Luke Garverick, our assistant dance captain and best friend.

We love him.

(exciting music) - Thank you ArtsBridge!

- Thank you!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Well, next up, we have Shuler Spotlight Award, which is a unique honor that recognizes a school that takes an unconventional approach to theater, or otherwise distinguishes itself in a way that can't be easily categorized.

- We love productions that go against the grain, and this year, we are shining our spotlight on Houston County High School.

(audience cheering) Ironically, they are, that's pretty much one thing teenagers don't usually like, having the spotlight on them, like it's already hard enough to figure out who you are, all that kinda stuff, and complex social hierarchy, but listen, I'm sure many of you know the feeling, uh-huh?

- Yes, and so let's head to the cafeteria and figure out where we're gonna sit.

Chelsea, will you sit with me?

- Ooh, always.

From "Mean Girls" here from Houston County High School.

There's "Where Do You Belong?"

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (exciting music) ♪ Where do you belong, where do you belong ♪ ♪ Where do you belong, where do you belong ♪ ♪ You'll be judged on sight, and made to fit ♪ ♪ So find a clique and stick with it ♪ ♪ Say, where do you belong Let's take a walk around the cafeteria, shall we?

I'll show you the world as I see it.

♪ Varsity jocks and JV jocks ♪ Will throw you in the locker if you say hello ♪ ♪ The rich stoners hate the gangster whites ♪ ♪ Though they're all smoking the same oregano ♪ ♪ Here's the overly active band geeks ♪ ♪ I've got two words for you ♪ Embouchure and ew ♪ So if you like marching with tromboners ♪ ♪ This is the group for you ♪ Back me up, show choir ♪ Oh, oh ♪ Say, where do you belong ♪ Where do you belong ♪ We're dying to tell you ♪ We all get a box, that's where we go ♪ ♪ It's stifling, but at least you know ♪ ♪ So, where do you belong ♪ We're dying to tell ya ♪ To tell ya, to tell ya (all scatting) - This is my dance break.

♪ Where do you belong, where do you belong ♪ ♪ Where do you belong ♪ Where do you belong ♪ You'll be judged on sight ♪ Voted in or out ♪ 'Cause that's what high school's all about ♪ ♪ Where do you ♪ Belong ♪ But who is at this table ♪ Why it's Janis ♪ And Damian too ♪ We're not exactly joiners ♪ But we'll be good friends to you ♪ ♪ Oh, oh ♪ Here's where you belong, here's where you belong ♪ ♪ Here's where you belong ♪ Here's where you belong ♪ You need protection with pizazz ♪ ♪ And helping hands that also jazz ♪ ♪ Stay here where you belong ♪ Stay here ♪ Okay, I'm staying ♪ Yes, here's where you belong ♪ Hey Cady, this is where you fit, belong ♪ ♪ Hey Cady, this is where you sit ♪ ♪ Here's where you belong (audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Wow, wow, wow!

Well you certainly proved that you and your talented students belong right here on this stage.

- Thank you so much.

"Mean Girls" is an extremely, extremely difficult show.

But so rewarding, and we could not do what we do without these incredible students, and all the parents, and our incredible administration.

So thank you, ArtsBridge, for this incredible honor.

Thank you so much.

- Congratulations!

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) And I hear my girl Beth has one of my favorite VIPs in the house!

- Yes, yes, I do, Chelsea.

It is my honor to introduce the Executive Director of the ArtsBridge Foundation, Jennifer Dobbs.

(audience cheering) (exciting music) - Hey, everyone.

So good to see all of you.

Every year I choose a theme for students to live by during rehearsal week, and this year's theme is I Am Enough.

(audience cheering) Right?

Let's clap.

(audience applauding) The world tries to tell us sometimes you're not enough.

You are absolutely enough.

We had a phenomenal event take place tonight, and that is the Standing Ovation Awards.

We award schools who make extra effort to follow our IDEA policy, and our IDEA policy stands for inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) Here's the thing.

We want to be in a position where we get rid of that award so that it's not something that has to stand out.

Right?

So we have six schools who are the winners of those awards, and I would like to announce them right now.

The six schools who have won the awards are Chamblee High School.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) Dalton High School.

(audience cheering) Gordon Central High School.

(audience cheering) Lakeview Academy.

(audience cheering) North Hall High School.

(audience cheering) And Ringgold High School!

(audience cheering) So, in keeping with the name of the award, please jump to your feet to give the recipients a quick standing ovation!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Thank you, Jennifer.

And thanks once again to those schools that are leading the way serving as an example for all of us to follow as we work together towards creating opportunities for everyone.

And speaking of working together, here to present the award for Best Ensemble are the Director and deputy Director of Fulton County Arts and Culture, Joycelyn Fowler and David Manuel.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Don't we look a little Christmassy today?

- We do, but we're not supposed to ad lib.

- Okay, all right.

(Joycelyn laughs) - True greatness emerges when each and every contributor is performing at their best.

- And the award for the Best Ensemble recognize the power of the group over the power of the individual.

- Because when we work together, there's very little we can't accomplish, including incredible musical theater.

- So let's meet the nominees for Best Ensemble.

(upbeat music) - [Announcer] Gainseville High School.

(audience cheering) "Sweeney Todd".

Glynn Academy.

"Chicago: High School Edition".

Greenbrier High School.

(audience cheering) "Anything Goes".

Lakeside High School.

(audience cheering) "Mean Girls: High School Version".

Milton High School.

(audience cheering) "Into the Woods".

Ringgold High School.

(audience cheering) "Peter Pan".

- And the winner is.

- Glynn Academy.

(audience cheering) "Chicago: Teen Edition".

(exciting music) - We would just like to thank our director, Kerrie Halbert, for everything that you do for us, and all of our parents.

You're our biggest support system.

And of course, our wonderful cast.

We love you, you're amazing, you're beautiful, you're talented!

Shoutout Troupe 5019!

(both cheering) (audience cheering) - We have seen five overall production nominees, which means there's only one left.

With such great performances, I really don't know, I have no idea how the adjudicators are able to select a winner.

Now, before there was Shrek, and he took us into the swamp, there was Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods", a show that blends fairy tale stories and characters from Rapunzel and Cinderella and Little Red Riding, and big, bad wolves.

So grab your cloaks and your lanterns because it's time for a trip into the woods with our friends from Milton High School.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) ♪ Mother cannot guide you ♪ Now you're on your own ♪ Only me beside you ♪ Still you're not alone ♪ No one is alone ♪ Truly ♪ No one is alone ♪ Sometimes people leave you ♪ Halfway through the wood ♪ Others may deceive you ♪ You decide what's good ♪ You decide alone ♪ But no one is alone ♪ I wish ♪ I know ♪ Careful the wish you make ♪ Wishes are children ♪ Careful the path they take ♪ Wishes come true ♪ Not free ♪ Careful the spell you cast ♪ Not just on children ♪ Sometimes the spell may last ♪ Past what you can see ♪ And turn against you ♪ Careful the tale you tell that is the spell ♪ ♪ Children will listen ♪ Though it's fearful ♪ Though it's deep, though it's dark ♪ ♪ Though you may lose the path ♪ Though you may encounter wolves ♪ ♪ You can't just act, you have to listen ♪ ♪ There are always wolves ♪ There are always spells ♪ There are always beans, or a giant dwells ♪ ♪ So into the woods you go again ♪ ♪ You have to every now and then ♪ ♪ Into the woods ♪ No telling when ♪ Be ready for the journey ♪ Into the woods, but not too fast ♪ ♪ Or what you wish, you lose at last ♪ ♪ Into the woods, but mind the past ♪ ♪ Into the woods, but mind the future ♪ ♪ Into the woods, but not to stray ♪ ♪ Or tempt the wolf, or steal from the giant ♪ ♪ The way is dark, the light is dim ♪ ♪ But now there's you, me, her, and him ♪ ♪ The chance look small ♪ The choices look grim ♪ But everything you learn there ♪ ♪ Will help when you return there ♪ ♪ The light is getting dimmer ♪ I think I see a glimmer ♪ Into the woods you have to grope ♪ ♪ But that's the way you learn to cope ♪ ♪ Into the woods to find there's hope ♪ ♪ Of getting through the journey ♪ ♪ Into the woods each time you go ♪ ♪ There's more to learn of what you know ♪ ♪ Into the woods, but not too slow ♪ ♪ Into the woods, it's nearing midnight ♪ ♪ Into the woods to mind the wolves ♪ ♪ To heed the witch, the honor the giant ♪ ♪ To mind, to heed ♪ To find, to think ♪ To teach, to join ♪ To go to the festival ♪ Into the woods ♪ Into the woods ♪ Into the woods, then out of the woods ♪ ♪ And happy ever after ♪ I wish (audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Out of the woods and back to the stage for one of the biggest awards of the night.

And to present it, please put your hands together for the Managing Director of Out of Hand Theater, Thomas Brazzle.

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - In much the same way as the Shuler Awards strives to create a safe environment where students can be who they truly are, the job of the director is to create an atmosphere for students to feel safe and empowered to do their best work, to take risks.

And ultimately, through those risks, to shine.

This is exactly what this year's nominees for Best Director have done.

Let's meet them now.

(upbeat music) - [Announcer] Brandy Carter.

Duluth High School.

(audience cheering) "Godspell: The Musical".

Kerri Halbert.

(audience cheering) Glynn Academy.

"Chicago: High School Edition".

Derek Varney and Stephen Hansen.

Greenbrier High School.

(audience cheering) "Anything Goes".

Teri Lance.

(audience cheering) Lanier High School.

"Tuck Everlasting".

Lynda Micki Ankiel.

(audience cheering) Milton High School.

"Into the Woods".

Jane Ellis.

Ringgold High School.

(audience cheering) "Peter Pan".

- And the award for Best Direction goes to Derek Varney and Stephen Hansen, Greenbrier High School.

"Anything Goes".

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (exciting music) Congratulations.

- Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

16th century poet, John Donne, said, "No man is an island, and no man stands alone," and neither does an award-winning cast, and has a crew, and parents, and administration, and we wanna thank some of those people tonight.

- Big thank you, of course, to all of our friends and family, our wonderful cast and crew, our amazing choreographers, Taryn and Brenna who helped us look amazing onstage.

Big thank you to them.

And thank you to my amazing teacher, Mr. Hansen, who helped me, and gave me this opportunity of student directing the Shuler Show.

So big thank you to him.

And thank you to ArtsBridge!

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) - The time is nigh.

That's theater talk for almost here.

Here to present the final award of the evening is Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for the Georgia Lottery Corporation, James Huchinson.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - Thank you, Shuler.

It's my great honor to announce the winner of this year's Best Overall Production Award.

2024 was truly a standout year for performances making our Sweet 16, Sweet 16 celebration, even sweeter.

As we've all seen here tonight, each overall production nominee is more than deserving of this top award.

But, unlike the lotteries, Powerball, and mega millions, there can only be one winner.

Sorry.

(audience laughing) So let's take a look at the nominees.

(upbeat music) - [Announcer] Greenbrier High School.

(audience cheering) "Anything Goes".

King's Ridge Christian School.

(audience cheering) "Curtains: School Edition".

Milton High School.

(audience cheering) "Into the Woods".

Ringgold High School.

(audience cheering) "Peter Pan".

Starr's Mill High School.

(audience cheering) "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella".

West Forsyth High School.

(audience cheering) "The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy".

(audience cheering) - All right, this is it.

Let's hear that drum roll.

(audience drumming) That's pretty good.

All right.

And the winner of the Overall Production is Greenbrier High School, "Anything Goes".

(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (exciting music) - We're back!

- We're back!

- You start.

- I hope you didn't miss us too much.

I wanna say that Steve Martin once said, "Be so loud they can't ignore you."

Right?

(audience cheering) We wanna thank a few more people.

- Again, this is just a huge win to every single person who was involved with this cast of "Anything Goes", and this is just a great way to end my last four years with the Pack Players.

Theater is about the relationships, and the family you make along the way!

So cherish your friends and family.

Love everyone!

Goodnight!

Go Pack!

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) - As we prepare to wrap up our 16th Awards, there is so much to still celebrate.

This show, alongside other programming provided by the ArtsBridge Foundation has left a profound impact on the lives of thousands of students.

- Mm-hmm, once again.

We wanna thank all of our dedicated teachers who work daily to inspire, motivate, and guide our students towards appreciating the world that lies beyond the scripted page.

And we'd be remiss if we didn't specially send a message to support those students who receive support from their friends and their loving family members, because how else are they gonna get to rehearsal, huh?

Somebody's gotta drive 'em.

- With the proper cornerstones in place, we've witnessed Georgia's young people grow to appreciate themselves and each other more than ever before.

From conquering the stage fright to telling challenging stories that the world needs to hear.

Their courage grows with each passing year.

- So as we say farewell to another remarkable season, let's carry forward the spirit of creativity, empathy, and resilience that defines these young artists.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey, and here's to many more years of supporting and celebrating the magic of the arts!

(audience applauding) (audience cheering) (bright exciting music) ♪ Life is meant to be fun ♪ You're not hurting anyone ♪ Nobody loses ♪ Let the music make you feel ♪ Be what you wanna be ♪ Make no excuses ♪ Oh, you've gotta do it ♪ You've gotta do it, gotta do it your way ♪ ♪ You've gotta mean it, you've gotta mean it ♪ ♪ Gotta mean what you say ♪ And don't you let nobody lead you astray ♪ ♪ I know I won't, I know you won't ♪ ♪ No, no ♪ So ♪ So (audience cheering) ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud, let's get loud ♪ ♪ Turn the music up ♪ Let's do it ♪ Come on people, let's get loud ♪ ♪ Yes, let's get loud ♪ Turn the music up ♪ And hear that sound ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Ain't nobody gotta tell you ♪ What you gotta do ♪ If you wanna live your life ♪ Live it all the way ♪ And don't be wasting ♪ Don't waste it, no ♪ Every feeling, every beat ♪ Can be so very sweet ♪ You've gotta taste it, you've gotta taste it ♪ ♪ You've gotta do it, you've gotta do it ♪ ♪ Do it your way ♪ You've gotta prove it ♪ Don't you let nobody lead you astray ♪ ♪ You've gotta prove it, you've gotta prove it ♪ ♪ Gotta do what you say ♪ Da, da, da, da, da ♪ Life's a party, make it hot ♪ Dance, don't ever stop ♪ Whatever rhythm ♪ Every minute, every day ♪ Making it stay ♪ You've gotta live loud, yeah ♪ You've gotta do it, you've gotta do it ♪ ♪ You gotta be bold, you've gotta be wiser ♪ ♪ You've gotta be tough, you've gotta be stronger ♪ ♪ Let's get loud, loud, loud ♪ Loud ♪ Oh ♪ Let's get down ♪ Let's get up ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get down ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Oh, let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Turn the music up to hear that sound ♪ ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Ain't nobody gotta tell you ♪ What you gotta do ♪ Da, da, da, da ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud, oh yeah ♪ Ain't nobody gotta tell you ♪ What you gotta do ♪ Da, da, da, da ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud (audience cheering) (audience applauding) - Congratulations to all our participants!

(upbeat Latin music) (all clapping rhythmically) ♪ Let's get loud, let's get loud ♪ ♪ Ain't nobody gotta tell ya - Okay!

(all cheering) ♪ You gotta do it, you gotta do it ♪ ♪ You've gotta be bold, you've gotta be wiser ♪ ♪ You've gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger ♪ ♪ Let's get, get loud, loud ♪ Loud ♪ Oh, let's get down ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get down ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Oh, let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Turn the music up and feel that sound ♪ ♪ Let's get loud, let's get loud ♪ ♪ Ain't nobody gotta tell you ♪ What you gotta do ♪ Da, da, da, da ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Get loud, oh ♪ Let's get loud, let's get loud ♪ ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Yeah, let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Ain't nobody gonna tell you ♪ What you gotta do like ♪ Da, da, da, da, da ♪ Let's get loud ♪ Let's get loud (audience cheering) (audience applauding) (bright upbeat music) (bright upbeat music continues) (alarm beeping) (soft music) - Put your feet together.

- Ready?

- Magnesium.

- That's right.

- [Narrator] All the time you've given them, all the dreams you have for them.

- This is the last time!

- Yeah, I know Mom!

- Run!

- [Narrator] All of it can happen.

- I got in!

- [Narrator] The Georgia Lottery has raised more than $27.2 billion to fund education in Georgia, including the Hope Scholarship and Pre-K programs, because in Georgia, hope finds a way.

(bright music) (bright music)