In a landmark 10th anniversary season, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program has named its 2025-26 recognition recipients, highlighting the talent and contributions of more than 2,200 participating students across 34 area schools.

The Center Stage Program was launched in 2016 as an education initiative that celebrates and supports the achievements of high school musical theater while developing confidence, creativity and collaboration among high school students throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Educational opportunities are provided all season long for students and educators to learn and grow together in their craft.

A team of trained adjudicators attended the participating schools’ musical productions and provided educational feedback.

Scores for each production were tabulated, and applications were reviewed to determine the program recognition recipients.

Participating schools and recognition recipients will be celebrated when the program culminates in a red-carpet, Tony Awards-style showcase at the Center on May 16 at 7:30 p.m.

“Reaching the 10th anniversary of the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program is a profound milestone for our community,” said Chief Programming Officer Amy Gosz. “Over the past decade, we have watched this program grow into a vital platform for young artists to build confidence and lasting relationships. Seeing the immense talent and heart these students bring to the stage is truly inspiring. As we celebrate ten years of the Center Stage Program at the Showcase on May 16, we are honored to continue supporting the next generation of artists and creative leaders.”

Brown County recognition recipients include:

Honorable Mention in a Lead Role

Caiya Klish as Betty Rizzo in De Pere’s production of Grease

Chloe Hucek as Snow White in Ashwaubenon’s production of Once Upon a One More Time

Max Janick as Zeke/Cowardly Lion in Notre Dame’s production of The Wizard of Oz

Sam Hornseth as Kenickie in De Pere’s production of Grease

Influential Theater Educator Nominee

Amy Tubbs, Director at Pulaski High School

Inspiration Through the Arts Scholarship

Caitlin Mellberg, Green Bay Southwest High School

Outstanding Ensemble

De Pere High School and their production of Grease
Notre Dame Academy and their production of The Wizard of Oz

Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role

Lily Xiong as Karen in Green Bay West’s production of Mean Girls High School Edition

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role

Caroline Broberg as Miss Almira Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West in Notre Dame’s production of The Wizard of Oz

Outstanding Student Pit Orchestra

De Pere High School

Outstanding Student Run Crew

De Pere High School
Green Bay Southwest High School