Vandegrift’s theatre department’s production of South Pacific has been nominated for eight awards for the Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards (GAHSMTA). The South Pacific cast was nominated for Best Ensemble, Michael Feris for Best Musical Direction, Austin Lee for Best Lighting Design, Trey Dickerson for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Victoria Brown for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Olson Kelly for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Emily Adams for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Martha Ruby Clark for Best Featured Performer.

“I am so honored to be nominated,” Kelly said. “This is such a great thing for our theatre program. I am so excited for our entire cast and crew and I am excited for the ceremony in April!”

This year is the first year of GAHSMTA, a program created to bring awareness of the arts to high schools and to celebrate the best shows. The program is a partnership between The Long Center, Zach Theatre and the University of Texas.Vandegrift is competing against 18 other schools, including Cedar Park, Leander and Westlake.

“It was truly a blessing to be a part of such an amazing show,” Clark said. “I am incredibly honored to be nominated for such a prestigious award.”

The award ceremony will take place on April 17 at the Long Center. The lead actors and actresses nominees will perform a  medley with other schools showcasing each individual. All the lead, supporting and featured performers will be showcased in one number together. Dickerson, Brown, Kelly, Adams and Clark will all be a part of these performances.