At Sunday night’s presentation, showers of accolades fell for Great Commission’s production of “Singin’ in the Rain,” with honors for best production, best musical number, best stage crew, best dance performance and individual acting honors for best supporting actor in a male role and best supporting actor in a female role.

This year was the 21st annual ISAACS Awards, the popularity of which has grown so large that ACT has expanded the event to two nights to accommodate the number of schools wishing to participate. Each night has its independent winners, meaning there were two equal winners announced for each category over the weekend.

Each year The ISAACS distributes more than $60,000 in college scholarships to students participating in their high school musicals.

The 2026 ISAACS featured 18 schools from a six-county area (Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Huntingdon). During the year, two panels of judges from ACT view the schools’ musicals and determine the nominations in a variety of production and individual categories, the winners of which were announced on stage at the Mishler between musical numbers from each school’s entry.

Owen Carmel and Gabrielle Beldin perform the ISAAC Award-winning best musical number, “How Could I Ever Know” during Altoona Area High School’s production of “The Secret Garden.” The musical won best production and Carmel and Beldin were both honored with wins in best lead actor in a male role and best supporting actor in a female role, respectively. Courtesy photo

More information about the ISAACS can be found at altoonacommunitytheatre.com/isaac-awards

The winning schools and individual students for this year’s ISAACS, as well as those who received nominations in each category were:

Saturday, May 23, ISAACS

Achievement in design nominations

Student choreography:

Great Commission Schools took home numerous ISAAC Awards Sunday night for their production of “Singin’ in the Rain,” including best production, best stage crew, best dance, best musical number, student choreography, best supporting actor in a male role and best supporting actor in a female role. Courtesy photo

WINNER: Huntingdon Area High School – “The Addams Family” – Jillian Tanner

RUNNER-UP: Altoona Area High School – “The Secret Garden” – Emma Lang, Lillian Goodman, Aubrey Huber for “Prologue”

Nominees:

Bellefonte Area High School – “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Samantha Nedrow

Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School – “Into the Woods” – Paislee Lloyd (for Bird Sequence during the Prologue)

The cast and crew of Hollidaysburg Area School District’s production of “Into the Woods” poses together on stage after the Saturday night ISAAC Awards presentation, where they won runner-up for best production. Mirror photo by Cynthia Wise

Southern Huntingdon Area High School/Middle School – “Disney’s Frozen” – Madelynn Irvin for “Let it Go”

West Branch High School – “Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins” – Emily Shingledecker and Aubree Good for “Jolly Holiday”

Student design:

WINNER: Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School – “Into the Woods” – Israel Hartman for Design and Operation of the Milky White puppet

RUNNER-UP: Altoona Area High School – “The Secret Garden” – Owen Carmel for Costume Design

Bellwood-Antis High School won the ISAAC Award for best ensemble with The Urchins from their production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Also taking home an ISAAC for best supporting actor in a male role for his portrayal of Audrey II was Christian Jennings. Courtesy photo

Nominees:

Bellefonte Area High School – “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Sierra Kolk for Scenic Design

Bellwood-Antis High School – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Lily Briggs for Prop Design and Construction

Huntingdon Area High School – “The Addams Family” – Emilie Hayden for Proscenium Painting

Southern Huntingdon Area High School/Middle School – “Disney’s Frozen” – Kara Harper for Logo Design

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School’s production of “Disney’s Newsies” was named runner-up for best production at the ISAAC Awards ceremony on Sunday. Courtesy photo

West Branch High School – “Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins” – Ella Slabon, Codee Foster, Hilde Lautier, Juliette Hall, Ali McCamley, Lillian DeMoss and Evan Wooster for Set Construction & Painting and Prop Design

Student crew:

WINNER: Altoona Area High School – “The Secret Garden” – Stage Crew

RUNNER-UP: Bellwood-Antis High School – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Lily Briggs, Student Stage Manager; Dean Hoffer, Crew; Lucas Fulmer and Thad Norton as Audrey II Puppeteers.

Nominees:

Bellefonte Area High School – “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Nick Confer and Sofa Malee for Lighting Design & Operation.

Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School – “Into the Woods” – Stage Crew

Huntingdon Area High School – “The Addams Family” – Student Stage Crew and Spotlight Operators

Southern Huntingdon Area High School/Middle School – “Disney’s Frozen” – Blake Wible, Macy Book and Jakenzy Benson for Set Construction & Painting

West Branch High School – “Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins” – Ella Slabon, Codee Foster, Hilde Lautier, Juliette Hall, Ali McCamley, Lillian DeMoss and Evan Wooster – Stage Crew

Performance nominations

Best lead actor in a male role:

WINNER: Owen Carmel – Archibald Craven – “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

RUNNER-UP: Brogan Little – Gomez Addams – “The Addams Family” – Huntingdon Area High School

Nominees:

Aran Corey – The Baker – “Into the Woods” – Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School

Collin Matthews –

Seymour Krelborn – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Bellwood-Antis High School

Tony Swander – Lonny Barnett – “Rock of Ages” – Cambria Heights High School

Best lead actor in a female role:

WINNER: Emily Schreffler – Janet Van De Graaff – “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Bellefonte Area High School

RUNNER-UP: Braylinne Shaw – Princess Winnifred – “Once Upon a Mattress” – Tyrone Area High School

Nominees:

Lily Burns – Audrey – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Bellwood-Antis High School

Lila Eamigh – Mary Lennox – “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

Alice Haslam – The Baker’s Wife – “Into the Woods” – Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School

Best supporting actor in a male role:

WINNER: Christian Jennings – Audrey II – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Bellwood-Antis High School

RUNNER-UP: Greg Wenzel – Dickon – “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

Nominees:

Zach McCamley – Aldolpho – “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Bellefonte Area High School

Logan Schaffer – Dr. Neville Craven – “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

Lucas Snyder – Stacee Jaxx – “Rock of Ages” – Cambria Heights High School

Best supporting actor in a female role:

WINNER: Gabrielle Beldin – Lily Craven – “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

RUNNER-UP: Layla Smith – Wednesday Addams – “The Addams

Family” – Huntingdon Area High School

Nominees:

Sydney Hinish – Little Red Ridinghood – “Into the Woods” – Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School

Camille Krug – Martha – “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

Jalyn Meckley – The Drowsy Chaperone – “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Bellefonte Area High School

Best featured actor:

WINNER: Leah Solomon – Alice Beineke – “The Addams Family” – Huntingdon Area High School

RUNNER-UP: Connor Beeler – Oaken – “Disney’s Frozen” – Southern Huntingdon Area High School/Middle School

Nominees:

Takota Bracken – Franz Klinemann – “Rock of Ages” – Cambria Heights High School

Shalee Hoover – Bird Woman/Miss Andrew – “Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins” – West Branch High School

Tristin Riva – Orin Scrivello – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Bellwood-Antis High School

Best ensemble:

WINNER: The Urchins – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Bellwood-Antis High School

RUNNER-UP: The Dreamers Ensemble – “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

Nominees:

Tottendale and Underling – “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Bellefonte Area High School

The Princes – “Into the Woods” – Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School

The Ancestors – “The Addams Family” – Huntingdon Area High School

Best dance or dancer(s):

WINNER: “Cold Feets” – “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Bellefonte Area High School

RUNNER-UP: “Prologue” – “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

Nominees:

“Skid Row (Downtown)” – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Bellwood-Antis High School

“Tango De Amor” – “The Addams Family” – Huntingdon Area High School

“Spanish Panic” – “Once Upon a Mattress” – Tyrone Area High School

Best musical number:

WINNER: “How Could I Ever Know” – “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

RUNNER-UP: “Act II Finale” – “Into the Woods” – Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School

Nominees:

“Suddenly Seymour” – “Little Shop of Horrors” – Bellwood-Antis High School

“When You’re An Addams” – “The Addams Family” – Huntingdon Area High School

“Happily Ever After” – “Once Upon a Mattress” – Tyrone Area High School

Best production:

WINNER: “The Secret Garden” – Altoona Area High School

RUNNER-UP: “Into the Woods” – Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School

Nominees:

“The Drowsy Chaperone” – Bellefonte Area High School

“Little Shop of Horrors” – Bellwood-Antis High School

“The Addams Family” – Huntingdon Area High School

Sunday, May 24, ISAACS

Achievement in design nominations

Student choreography:

WINNER: Great Commission Schools – “Singin’ in the Rain” – Danny Kurty and Grant Michael

RUNNER-UP: Philipsburg-Osceola

Senior High School – “Grease” – Grace Henry, Chloe Dunlap, Kyra DeLucia

Nominees:

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School – “Disney’s Newsies” – Annika Cassol, Madison Rezk and Taylor Shutty

Bishop Guilfoyle Academy – “The Sound of Music” – Kaitlyn Link

Central High School – “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Marah Goff

Moshannon Valley Junior/Senior High School – “The Wizard of Oz” – Madelyn Kay and Adison Manno

Student design:

WINNER: Moshannon Valley Junior/Senior High School – “The Wizard of Oz” – Deakon Evans for Scenic Design and Painting.

RUNNER-UP: Great Commission Schools – “Singin’ in the Rain” – Alyson Miller for Set Design

Nominees:

Bishop Carroll

Catholic High School – “Disney’s Newsies” – Andrew Ostinowsky, Ella Beiswenger, Annika Cassol for Set Painting and Decorating

Bishop Guilfoyle Academy – “The Sound of Music” – Arielle Beisinger for Costume Design

Central High School – “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Kaitlyn Olivieri, Scenic Artist

Glendale Jr./Sr. High School – “Disney’s Frozen” – Kara Smith for Set Design, Construction and Painting.

Student crew:

WINNER: Great Commission Schools – “Singin’ in the Rain” – Stage Crew

RUNNER-UP: Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School – “Grease” – Stage Crew led by Stage Managers Belle “E” Paul, Anna Walker, Jonah Parsons and Layla Westwood and Stage Crew

Nominees:

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School – “Disney’s Newsies” – Elaina Smith, Stage Manager and Crew

Bishop Guilfoyle Academy – “The Sound of Music” – Construction Crew – Ty Halerz, Bianca Melgar, Leah Byrne, Julia Wesner, Dorothy Servello, Rebekah Adams, Caley Halerz, Mary Haigh and Griffen Chwatek

Central High School – “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Set and Water Crew

Moshannon Valley Junior/Senior High School – “The Wizard of Oz” – Andrew Waslosky and Joey Woodring, Stage Managers

Performance nominations

Best lead actor in a male role:

WINNER: Andrew Ostinowsky – Jack Kelly – “Disney’s Newsies” – Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

RUNNER-UP: Grant Michael – Don Lockwood – “Singin’ in the Rain” – Great Commission Schools

Nominees:

Izzy Boyer – Prince Eric – “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Central High School

Roman Cienfuegos – Emmett Forrest – “Legally Blonde The Musical” – State College Area High School

Braydan Jones – Danny Zuko – “Grease” – Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School

Best lead actor in a female role:

WINNER: Sarabeth Lloyd – Elsa – “Disney’s Frozen” – Glendale Jr./Sr. High School

RUNNER-UP: Marah Goff – Ariel – “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Central High School

Nominees:

Michaela Edson – Kathy Selden – “Singin’ in the Rain” – Great Commission Schools

Grace Henry – Sandy – “Grease” – Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School

Hannah Smith – Elle Woods – “Legally Blonde The Musical” – State College Area High School

Best supporting actor in a male role:

WINNER: Daniel Kurty – Cosmo Brown – “Singin’ in the Rain” – Great Commission Schools

RUNNER-UP: Grier Williams – Hunk/Scarecrow – “The Wizard of Oz” – Moshannon Valley Junior/Senior High School

Nominees:

Evan Brumbaugh – Sebastian – “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Central High School

Alex Krug – Davey – “Disney’s Newsies” – Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

Johnny Levonick – Kenickie – “Grease” – Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School

Best supporting actor in a female role:

WINNER: Kayelynn Summers – Lina Lamont – “Singin’ in the Rain” – Great Commission Schools

RUNNER-UP: Callie Smith – Scuttle – “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Central High School

Nominees:

Claire Campbell – Paulette – “Legally Blonde The Musical” – State College Area High School

Abigail Pelesky – Marty – “Grease” – Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School

Reagan Wharton – The Wicked Witch of the West – “The Wizard of Oz” – Moshannon Valley Junior/Senior High School

Best featured actor:

WINNER: Rainey Walker – Brooke Wyndham – “Legally Blonde The Musical” – State College Area High School

RUNNER-UP: Elijah Sossong – Crutchie – “Disney’s Newsies” – Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

Nominees:

Brianna Clossin – Sister Berthe – “The Sound of Music” – Bishop Guilfoyle Academy

Chloe Gailey – Medda Larkin – “Disney’s Newsies” – Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

Emma Gilbey – Olaf – “Disney’s Frozen” – Glendale Jr./Sr. High School

Best ensemble:

WINNER: The Newsies – “Disney’s Newsies” – Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

RUNNER-UP: The Burger Palace Boys – “Grease” – Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School

Nominees:

The Von Trapp Children – “The Sound of Music” – Bishop Guilfoyle Academy

The Trolls – “Disney’s Frozen” – Glendale Jr./Sr. High School

The Greek Chorus – “Legally Blonde The Musical” – State College Area High School

Best dance or dancer(s):

WINNER: “Make ‘Em Laugh” – “Singin’ in the Rain” – Great Commission Schools

RUNNER-UP: “Greased Lightnin'” – “Grease” – Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School

Nominees:

“Seize the Day” – “Disney’s Newsies” – Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

“Under the Sea” – “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Central High School

“Whipped Into Shape” – “Legally Blonde The Musical” – State College Area High School

Best musical number:

WINNER: “Singin’ in the Rain” – “Singin’ in the Rain” – Great Commission Schools

RUNNER-UP: “Kiss the Girl” – “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Central High School

Nominees:

“Once and For All” – “Disney’s Newsies” – Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

“The Merry Old Land of Oz” – “The Wizard of Oz” – Moshannon Valley Junior/Senior High School

“What You Want” – “Legally Blonde The Musical” – State College Area High School

Best production:

WINNER: “Singin’ in the Rain” – Great Commission Schools

RUNNER-UP: “Disney’s Newsies” – Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

Nominees:

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” – Central High School

“Grease” – Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School

“Legally Blonde The Musical” – State College Area High School

Special Awards

Steven C. Helsel Legacy Scholarship – Owen Carmel, Altoona Area High School, $1,000

Kate & Eric Wolf Legacy Scholarship -Joey Winston, Central High School (Spring Cove), $1,000

Zack Hinish Foundation Inclusion in Theatre Scholarship – Gabrielle Beldin & Camille Krug, $500 each

The “Rising Star Award”

Colston Chamberlain – Greg Heffley – “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” – Tussey Mountain

Middle/High School

ISAACS MVP Presentations

Altoona Area High School – Attison Batten

Bellefonte Area High School – Logan Sedgwick

Bellwood-Antis High School – Thad Norton

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School – Andrew Ostinowsky

Bishop Guilfoyle Academy – Leah Byrne

Cambria Heights High School – Alex King

Central High School – Libby Dodson

Glendale Area Jr./Sr. High School – Olivia Frank

Great Commission Schools – Marco Palazzi

Hollidaysburg Area High School – Nora Stanek

Huntingdon Area High School – Zoey Norris

Moshannon Valley Junior/Senior High School – Isabella Miller

Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School – Amber Hawn

Southern Huntingdon County High School – Caleb Jenkins

State College Area High School – Cassie Ausherman

Tussey Mountain Middle/High School – Leland Detwiler

Tyrone Area High School – Carlie Nowlin

West Branch High School – David Shirokey