Jordan's "DPAC Rising Stars"

Photo from DPAC NC

The Durham Performing Arts Center, known by many as DPAC, has just released its Rising Stars Awards finalists. The Rising Stars Program at DPAC is part of the National High School Musical Theater Awards, a program that unites high school musical awards programs from across the country. The Rising Stars Award Program celebrates accomplishments of high school musical theater throughout central North Carolina. School representatives can apply to have their production and students reviewed by the Rising Stars Award Panel. 

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, the DPAC Rising Star Awards judges attended and reviewed 44 high school musical theater productions. The DPAC judges have selected 20 finalists to take part in a competition for their chance to advance to the national level of the competition at the Jimmy Awards in June. DPAC will announce the finalists for the DPAC Rising Star Awards on May 29th. Schools can enter the Rising Stars Program through the DPAC website and nominate students from up to 2 musicals. 

The students will compete alongside other nominees on DPAC's stage in hopes of advancing to the Jimmy Awards in New York City this June. The competition also aims to recognize excellence in student performance, with awards including Best Actor and Best Actress. 

Jordan High School nominated students from their production of “Big Fish,” the spring musical, and had two students nominated for the best actor/actress award. These students include junior Edmund Pattishall and senior Danica Laan. Both students had lead roles in Jordan's production of “Big Fish.”

When asked how he felt about being nominated for this recognition, Edmund stated that he was excited and said, “I think it will be a great experience, and I have wanted to do it since the two times I have seen it.” Danica similarly was excited for the opportunity, especially because this year will be her second time participating in the event. When asked how she felt about being nominated, she said that “I had such a fun time, and I can't wait to meet some more people and perform on the DPAC stage.”

Source: "The DPAC Rising Stars Award," dpacnc.com