Blumey Awards Celebrates a Decade of Nurturing Local Talent: Launches Blumey Inspire Fund for Aspiring Artists in the Carolinas

The Blumey Awards, a regional high school musical theater awards program by the Blumenthal Performing Arts, is marking its 10th year. The awards have provided a stage for young artists to display their skills and encouraged many to follow their passion for the arts. Lance Toppin, the 2023 Best Actor winner and a senior at Charlotte Country Day School, thanked the program for the opportunity and the motivation he gained from past winners. The awards have entertained audiences and left lasting impressions on the participants. Numerous past nominees and winners have made notable achievements in the arts and other fields, from Broadway to Hollywood.

The Blumey Awards 10-Year Anniversary Celebration is set for January 13th at Belk Theater. The event will support the newly established Blumey Inspire Fund. This initiative aims to offer grant opportunities for high school students to pursue learning opportunities, buy equipment, or cover other costs to ensure financial obstacles do not impede the development of emerging talent. Andie Maloney, Blumenthal’s Vice President of Education, stated that the fund is about empowering young artists and supporting both new and existing musical theater programs.

Thomas Laub, a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and two-time Blumey Award Best Actor nominee, has a personal link to the Blumey Inspire Fund. Laub, a Charlotte native who later founded Runyonland Productions at the University of Michigan, believes the fund will improve access to arts education in the Carolinas. He attributes his success in the theater industry to the opportunities he had in his hometown.

The Blumey Awards have received national recognition, with Charlotte participants winning the national high school musical theater awards, known as the Jimmys, three times in the past decade. The winners include Amina Faye in 2016, Reneé Rapp in 2018, and Bryson Battle in 2021. The consistent success of Charlotte participants has led to discussions about changing the rules of the Jimmys.

The Blumey Awards have served as a platform for young artists to display their talent and have significantly influenced their careers. The Blumey Inspire Fund's launch demonstrates the awards' dedication to nurturing and empowering young talent, ensuring that financial obstacles do not hinder their dreams. The 10th anniversary of the Blumey Awards celebrates a decade of inspiring and empowering young artists and anticipates a future with more opportunities and success stories.

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