SMHS arts programs garner six Heller Award nominations for musical, ‘Into the Woods’

San Marcos High School’s arts programs were once again recognized by the Heller Awards For Young Artists (HAYAs), an awards program that spotlights the hard work of students and teachers involved in the arts in the Greater Austin area.

The SMHS production of “Into the Woods” received six 2024 Heller Awards (or HAYAs) nominations, including Best Music Direction, Best Orchestra, Best Direction; Ruby Wilsford for Student Achievement in Direction, Alexandra Villalpando for Student Achievement in Design; and Cora LaCoss for Best Supporting Performer with her portrayal of Cinderella.

Presented by the Long Center for the Performing Arts, in partnership with Texas Performing Arts and Impact Arts, the 11th annual Heller Awards will take place April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Long Center in Austin.

The HAYAs is a Tony Awards-style program that spotlights the hard work and excellence of thousands of students and teachers involved in arts education throughout the Greater Austin area.

“Each year, the Long Center welcomes over 2,000 high school students into Dell Hall for this special evening, and it is simply electrifying,” Cody Baker, Long Center President and CEO, said. “It’s a night that not only celebrates talent, but even more so the collective spirit and potential of our youth.”

The Heller Awards recognize the broad range of talent present in musical theater through 16 categories, plus three special student achievement awards.

“It’s their night, and we stand behind them,” Baker said. “The growth of this program, expanding from 19 schools in 2014 to 37 this year, is an incredible testament to the program's success and to the vibrant community it nurtures and supports.”

Tickets for the 2024 Heller Awards will go on sale late March at thelongcenter.org.