Orpheum students represent Memphis area on Broadway
Riley Young and Amelia Beckham tried their best to remain calm when the stage manager called for performers to take their places on stage at Broadway’s renowned Minskoff Theatre.
Once the lights came on, however, the two Memphis-area 18-yearolds were determined to give the performances of their lives.
Young and Beckham were among 80 nationwide theater students competing June 25 at the 10th annual Jimmy Awards — also known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards — in New York City. The duo earned nominations by winning the Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards, making them the Memphis regional representatives. Top performers at the the Jimmy Awards received scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
“Just one week (earlier), we were 80 high school theater lovers, and now we were going to make our Broadway debut on one of the most beautiful stages in New York,” said Beckham, who will attend Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio this fall. “I think that being on the same stage as ‘The Lion King’ cast made us not only grateful for this opportunity, but also added an extra layer of determination.”
Young said the experience motivated him to make his dreams of becoming a Broadway performer a reality.
“At times, I couldn’t even fathom that I was there on the stage,” Young said. “It felt like (hopefully) a glimpse into the near future, and it definitely inspired me to work hard to put myself into a position where a stage like that becomes home, not just a one-time opportunity.”
During the show, Young performed a solo rendition of “Memphis Lives in Me” from “Memphis.” The Hernando High graduate channeled thoughts of his late grandfather, who passed away earlier in the week, to “drive the passion in the song.”
“When I stepped out there to sing, it felt unreal,” Young said. “I already had a connection to the piece because I am from the Memphis area and I’m going to the University of Memphis. Just like in my coaching during the week, I pictured the city of Memphis out in the crowd as I sang.”
Young’s performance helped him finish the awards show as one of eight finalists and the winner of a $3,000 scholarship.
Beckham, an Evangelical Christian School graduate, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship as one of six Special Recognition Scholars.
The 80 participants underwent a grueling professional training intensive at NYU Tisch School of the Arts during the week leading up to the Jimmy Awards. They received mentoring from several highly-decorated industry professionals including Tony Award nominee Howard McGillin and Adam Kantor, a current Broadway performer in the Tony Award-winning “The Band’s Visit.”
“We had to be mentally and physically prepared for 14-hour rehearsal days,” Beckham said. “The days would start with some early-morning yoga instructed by one of Broadway’s best. After we stretched and warmed up, we would alternate reviewing choreography, learning new music and singing in coaching sessions with current Broadway professionals.”
Despite long hours and intense instruction, Young and Beckham left New York with dozens of new friends, newfound confidence and a sense of pride for representing Memphis and the Orpheum Theatre.
“It was incredible meeting people my age from all over the country who love theater just as much as me,” Beckham said. “When I told the other nominees I was from Memphis, they all smiled because they thought it was amazing that I got to represent a city so rich in music history.”
“My biggest takeaways (from my experience) are that I do have what it takes to succeed in this business — you have to love yourself foremost to succeed, and that everyone has very specific special talents,” Young said. “Believing in your abilities and who you are tops all.”