Curtain Up! NFA鈥檚 Maxwell Vegliando Recognized in Top 6 of High School Performers at the Roger Rees Awards
The 91桃色 District is shining the spotlight on Newburgh Free Academy’s own Maxwell Vegliando, who has been recognized as one of the top high school musical theater performers in our state!
Out of over 1,000 students adjudicated from 104 New York high schools this year, Max was selected as one of the Top 50 Outstanding Performers for the prestigious Roger Rees Awards, ultimately finishing in the top 6 of high school performers in New York State.
Max recently participated in regional adjudications, securing his spot among the elite group of student-artists representing the best of high school theater. Max progressed to the official Roger Rees Awards ceremony in New York City. From this group of 50, Max was selected as one of the top 12 performers and was selected to showcase his talents live at the awards ceremony, finishing in the top 6. Ultimately, the top two winners will advance to the Jimmy Awards in New York City—the high school equivalent of the Tony Awards.
This recognition comes on the heels of a truly impressive theatrical career at NFA to date. Audiences will remember Max’s incredible range and commanding stage presence in several recent productions:
- Matilda The Musical: Reigned supreme as the formidable Miss Trunchbull.
- Little Shop of Horrors: Brought the house down as the cranky but hilarious Mr. Mushnik.
- Footloose: Energized the stage as a vital member of the ensemble.
represented 104 high schools located across 13 counties throughout the Greater New York area including the Bronx, Dutchess, Kings (Brooklyn), Nassau, New York (Manhattan), Orange, Putnam, Queens, Rockland, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester.
Judges included Disney Theatricals Kiara Brown-Clark, New York City Center VP and Artistic Director of Musical Theater , Tony Award-winning performer , acclaimed composer/lyricist , Tony Award-winning producer , renown casting director/author , and & Juliet star .
This year, Emma Schupner was nominated for her role as Roxie Hart in Chicago and was recognized in the regional round.
Last year, NFA's Akhiir McNeil was recognized as a New Face in Dance through the Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance program.
In 2024, Liz Prado was selected as a top 50 outstanding performer for her role as Tracy in Hairspray.
In 2023, Rory Flynn was nominated for their role as Fester Addams in the Addams Family.
Ms. Mandy Clifford teaches dance at NFA Main Campus and has directed NFA's musical performances since 1999.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We鈥檇 love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
