Kenny Ortega Returns as Judge for 2026 Jerry Herman Awards, Celebrating Over a Decade of Honoring Young Talent

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — Celebrated director Kenny Ortega, known for his work on “High School Musical,” “Descendants,” and “Hocus Pocus,” expressed his enduring passion for supporting local musical theater as he attended the Jerry Herman Awards for the 11th year. “I can’t get enough of it,” he remarked enthusiastically.

The Jerry Herman Awards, an esteemed event that recognizes outstanding achievements in Los Angeles high school theater programs, saw winners being chosen by a distinguished panel of industry experts. This year’s panel included Ortega himself, alongside Nicole Parker, Eric Petersen, Cathy Rigby, Jeff Loeb, and Dana Ellis.

In an interview with On The Red Carpet, Ortega discussed the significance of the awards, stating, “The Jerry Herman Awards serve as a stepping stone to the Jimmy Awards in June. Tonight, we selected our Best Actor and Best Actress, who will represent us in New York for the national championships.”

Kaleo Knight, a Best Actress winner from Windward School, earned her accolade for an impressive performance as Penelope Pennywise in “Urinetown.” Knight expressed her excitement about the upcoming opportunity, saying, “I’m thrilled for New York. I’m heading to NYU, so this is like a sneak peek at the city before my official move.”

Jackson Wright from St. Francis High School was surprised yet thrilled to win Best Actor for the second consecutive year, this time for his portrayal of Tony in “West Side Story.” “It’s an incredible honor,” Wright said. “New York City, Broadway, the Jimmy Awards—it’s still sinking in. I can’t wait and am eager for the opportunities that the Jimmy Awards might bring.”

Annually, the Best Actor and Best Actress from the Jerry Herman Awards go on to compete with peers nationwide at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as The Jimmy’s. The 17th edition of the Jimmy Awards is slated for June 22 at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway in New York City.

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