How this headline may connect to industries in Nebraska. Technical scores are below — click any ? for what a metric means.
Nebraska students to make Broadway debuts at Jimmy Awards
NebraskaGDELTGDELT event0% biasedMon, Jun 15, 2026, 12:00 AM
0 of 21 sentences classified as biased · Model: roberta-anno-lexical-ft-v1
Nebraska students to make Broadway debuts at Jimmy Awards Westside and Fremont High School graduates head to New York City for high school theater’s biggest night OMAHA, Neb.(WOWT) - Two area students are in New York City this week making their Broadway debuts at the Jimmy Awards, the high school version of the Tony Awards.Carter Pflug and Kolaya Wilmer were chosen as the best actor and actress winners at this year’s Nebraska Theater Academy Showcase.Carter is a graduate of Westside High School and was recognized for his performance as Robert Martin in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Kolaya is a Fremont High School graduate and played Eponine in “Les Mis.” From Omaha to Broadway Both students went through multiple rounds of auditioning to earn their spots.They submitted digital auditions featuring one performance song from their school shows and a contrasting piece.After advancing past the digital round, they attended callbacks at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha.“All the work for years, it’s finally come to this,” Wilmer said.“It’s like I did it and it’s something I’ve been dreaming of for a really long time.So, it was really special for me.” Pflug said the moment his name was called at the Orpheum brought a mix of emotions.“Obviously just you’re just hit with just a wave of just like bliss and just like excitement,” he said.“But at the same time, you’re just like almost like nervous a little bit about just like what’s to come because I mean it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Looking ahead Both students said they are approaching the Jimmy Awards as a learning experience rather than a competition.“That’s kind of how I’m going into it,” Pflug said.“I’m just hoping to make the most connections, learn the most things and meet some cool people.” Wilmer said making her Broadway debut at 18 is difficult to put into words.“You really can’t go into it like wanting to compete because you’re already there,” she said.“Like, it’s such an amazing thing and I’m really excited to meet a lot of people there.” Both Carter and Kolaya plan to continue performing after the Jimmy Awards.Pflug will attend Pace University to study musical theater in New York.Wilmer said theater is her passion and she plans to continue anytime she can.The Jimmy Awards take place Monday in New York City.You can watch the show on the Jimmy Awards YouTube Page.Copyright 2026 WOWT.All rights reserved.