Two local students head to NYC to showcase their musical theatre talents

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Two lucky students will be heading to New York City to showcase their musical theatre talents.

Tytus Hayes will represent Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts.

He won the best actor award at the Jewel Awards for his performance as Seymour in Little shop of Horrors.

RC Moore will represent Chattanooga Christian School.

She won the best actress award at the Jewel Awards for her performance as Anya in the Anastasia.

Both students will be competing in the Jimmy Awards.

This is the 17th year of the Jimmy Awards.

The annual ceremony shines a spotlight on the best of high school musical theatre talent.

The 2026 Jimmy Awards anticipates welcoming 116 nominees from 58 cities across the country as they make their debuts on a Broadway stage.

There will be a local watch party on the 22nd at 6:30 at the Walker Theatre to cheer on Tytus and RC.