ANNOUNCING: 2022 JOCI AWARDS FINALISTS
Show returns live on Sunday, May 15 at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre; more than $100,000 in scholarships to be awarded
The Majestic Empire Foundation is pleased to announce the 25 finalists that have been selected to step into the spotlight at the 2022 Joci Awards, scheduled to return live to the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre on Sunday, May 15 starting at 6:00 p.m. In partnership with Blanchard Creative Group, the show is the culmination of the Foundation’s annual scholarship program. The Foundation will once again award over $100,000 in scholarship funds, maintaining its designation as one of the largest funding sources of its kind in the country. Additional show details, including ticket sales, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Having been chosen from a field of 120 applicants from 37 high schools throughout South Texas through a preliminary audition process, 25 student performers will each be awarded scholarships ranging form $3,000 to $6,000 to the college or university of their choice. An overall winner will be awarded an additional $10,000 scholarship.
In addition to scholarship funds, each finalist will have the opportunity to participate in coaching sessions with theatre professionals who have worked on Broadway, off-Broadway and the West End.
The Joci Awards highlights students in five different categories including Acting, Best Lead Actor in a Musical, Best Lead Actress in a Musical, Dance and Vocal. The finalists for this year’s Joci Awards are:
Acting
Simmons “Tres” Allison – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Alysandra Avila – Sandra Day O’Connor High School; San Antonio, TX
Jonathan Dullnig – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Eddy Escobar – Edgewood Fine Arts Academy; San Antonio, TX
Charlotte Hughes – Harlingen Performing Arts Conservatory; Harlingen, TX
Esmeralda Trevino – Harlingen Performing Arts Conservatory; Harlingen, TX
Best Lead Actor in a Musical
Nicholas Barrón – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Andrew Lockett – Douglas MacArthur High School; San Antonio, TX
Jon-Paul “JP” Lopez – Rouse High School; Leander, TX
Grant Pace – ZACH Performing Arts Academy; Austin, TX
Best Lead Actress in a Musical
Ashley Doyle – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Madelynn Forcier – McAllen High School; McAllen, TX
Michelle Ko – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Emma Mason – Incarnate Word High School; San Antonio, TX
Larissa Mehlig – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Jordan Rockhill – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Anna Zavelson – Vandegrift High School; Austin, TX
Dance
Noelani De La Garza – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Carissa Dowling – Homeschool; San Antonio, TX
Megan Gault – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Ashtyn Graham – Homeschool; San Antonio, TX
Vocal
Danica Feig – Sandra Day O’Connor High School; San Antonio, TX
Hannah Jenkins – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Brendan Koepke – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Madelina Martinez – Round Rock, TX
About The Majestic Empire Foundation —The Majestic Empire Foundation is dedicated to the development of the performing arts through education and scholarships, as well as the restoration and preservation of historic theatres. The Majestic Empire Foundation offers a variety of educational initiatives to nurture and grow the performing arts, including an annual scholarship program, as well as additional educational and training opportunities. For more information, visit www.lascasasfoundation.org
