East End's Teen Talent Recognized at Teeny Awards

The air was filled with excitement and anticipation on Sunday as the East End’s most theatrically talented high schoolers approached the red carpet dressed to the nines for their moment in the spotlight at the East End Arts Council’s ninth annual “Teeny Awards” ceremony.

Fashioned after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the “Teeny Awards,” held this year at the Westhampton Beach High School, is dedicated to recognizing all aspects of standout high school theatre—from stage crew to set design to performers.

The afternoon began with a red carpet walk, where the nominated students had a chance to take pictures with their fellow cast members before the awards show began. When asked what the best part of their theatre experience had been, nearly every nominee answered the same; that developing a family-like relationship with the members of their cast had been the most rewarding part.

Hosting the event for the third time was David Brandenburg, composer, arranger, music director and producer for the “Hamptons Shakespeare Festival.”

Kicking off the awards ceremony was a “Parade of Nominees,” which introduced students from area high schools, including East Hampton, Pierson, Riverhead, Westhampton Beach, Shelter Island, Southold, Center Moriches, Southampton, Hampton Bays, Eastport-South Manor, Ross School, McGann-Mercy, Shoreham-Wading River and Greenport.

During the ceremony, talent from four of the high schools performed a scene or a song. Students from Mattituck performed a scene from “The Audition,” Westhampton Beach students performed a song from “Guys and Dolls,” Southampton students sang a number from “Little Shop of Horrors” and students from Pierson performed a piece from “Chicago.”

The award for lead actor in a drama went to Yori Johnson of East Hampton for “I Remember Mama.” There was a tie for lead actress in a drama, which was awarded to Brianna Kinnier and Emily Selyukeva of Pierson for their performances in “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds.”

The award for supporting actor in a drama went to Max Tabet of Ross School for “Proof.” Supporting actress in a drama was awarded to Jennifer Etienne of Shoreham-Wading River for her performance in “12 Angry Men.”

Lead actor in a comedy was awarded to Vincent Cinque of Westhampton Beach for “Is He Dead?” Lead actress in a comedy went to Laura Lynne Duffy of McGann-Mercy for “Noises Off.”

The supporting actor and actress awards in a comedy were presented to Tim MacNish and Kelly Cassidy of Mattituck for “The Audition.”

Jack Hodgens of East Hampton was awarded lead actor in a musical for his performance in “Oliver!” Lead actress in a musical went to Laura Nikolich of Southampton for “Little Shop of Horrors.” Rebecca Mincieli of Mattituck took the supporting actress award for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and Jesse Keitel of Eastport-South Manor earned the supporting actor award for “Beauty & the Beast.”

Amanda Gallo of Riverhead received the outstanding performance award for her role in “Once Upon a Mattress.”

For the behind-the-scenes awards, Gabe Burford of Pierson earned the award for set design for “Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds.” The Playbill poster art recipient was Molly Finnegan of East Hampton for “Oliver!” The choreography award was presented to Gina Arfi of Westhampton Beach for “Guys & Dolls” and Justin Harris of Riverhead for “Once Upon a Mattress.”

Four nominees also received the Five Towns College $2,000 scholarship. Emily Hinz from Pierson, Dylan Barone from Center Moriches, Allison Charde from East Hampton and Taylor Smith from Eastport-South Manor were each offered the scholarship, should they choose to attend Five Towns College.

This year, both Ross School and Pierson School were awarded the “Innovations in Theater Education” award for supporting fully student-produced theatrical productions.

Lastly, the Judge’s Choice award acknowledged a trio of Mattituck High School students—Colin Keil, Becca Mincieli and Marissa Russo—who campaigned to bring a musical to their school for the first time since 1989 and succeeded.

“We had a small dream and we were able to turn it into a reality,” Ms. Russo said simply.

For a full list of nominees and award recipients, visit eastendarts.org.