Quick look: The Spirit of the MACY Awards took place on May 23, honoring the top high school theater actors and productions throughout Southern California. Orange County students and schools took home many of the highest awards.
What’s better than winning Best Actor at the Spirit of the MACY Awards? Winning two years in a row, of course.
On May 23, Isaiah Medina of Tesoro High School was named Best Actor at the 2026 Spirit of the MACY Awards at the Cerritos Center for Performing Arts. His standout performance in the musical “Footloose” earned him the award for the second year in a row — a historic feat.
Medina’s recognition will also earn him a trip to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre in New York. The ceremony is the premier celebration of the top high school theater talent in the country, where two students will be named for the Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor.
Founded in 1969 by John and Lee Childress, the Spirit of the MACY Awards recognizes the top high school theater actors and productions throughout Southern California. Participating schools are evaluated by a panel of judges on both individual and ensemble performances.
This year’s Spirit of the MACY saw multiple Orange County students take home top awards, including:
- Best Supporting Actor: Antonio Lopez, Huntington Beach Performing Arts School
- Best Supporting Actress: Ella Corbridge, San Clemente High School
- Best Comedian: Braden Berg, Trabuco Hills High School
- Best Female Dancer: Eliana Seven Merritt, Laguna Beach High School
Additionally, Godinez Fundamental High School’s Theater Arts program was honored for their performance of “In the Heights,” a Broadway musical infused with Latin American culture. Out of over 60 schools, Godinez was awarded the Childress Award — one of the highest ensemble awards of the ceremony.
“We are so proud of our Godinez artists,” said Jeanette McMahon, the visual and performing arts department co-chair at Godinez. “As directors, we knew this show was special. It’s great that others recognized it too!”
According to McMahon, the Childress Award is presented to the ensemble that best embodies the MACY Awards’ vision. Judges consider factors such as individual performances, artistic excellence, storytelling, ensemble spirit and the production’s overall impact.
Marina High School and Laguna Beach High School were similarly both honored for their productions of “Xanadu” and “Urinetown,” respectively. Each received The Spirit of the MACY Award, only given to two ensembles for their exceptional quality.