The Jester Awards program, supported by Music Theatre Wichita, recognizes excellence in high school musical theater across Kansas. Often compared to the Tony Awards for student productions, the program honors achievement in performance, technical theater, design, music, and direction while celebrating the collaborative work required to bring a full-scale musical to life.
This year, Rock Creek High School’s production of The SpongeBob Musical earned multiple State Jester nominations and Region 4 honors for the 2025–2026 school year.
The State Jester nominees are as follow:
Gavin Smith- Supporting Performer for his role as Squidward
Cadence Jaques – Cameo Performer for portraying Patchy the Pirate
Avalynn Dover, Evan Buckman, Taryn Scott- The Small Ensemble cast for “The Electric Skates”
Nathan Bortnick – Technical Achievement
Nathan Bortnick – Lighting Design
Wendi Foster – Design Guest for playbill design
Wendi Foster – Lobby Display
Rock Creek students and staff were also honored through Region 4 awards:
Isaiah Cazee – Supporting Performer for his portrayal of Patrick Star
Daniel Smith – Orchestra Direction
Masie Dulitz – Choreography
The stage crew was also recognized for their essential behind-the-scenes contributions.
Together, these honors reflect the wide range of student talent involved in the production and the collaborative effort required to make the show a success.
To learn more about the Jester Awards program and how it supports high school theater across Kansas, visit:
https://mtwichita.org/education/jester-awards-program/about-the-jester-program/
