Two local theatre students, Jazhel Arostegui and RC Moore, represented Chattanooga in the national Jimmy Awards competition and performed in New York City on Broadway as winners of this year’s Jewel Awards, presented by the Tivoli Theatre Foundation.
The two Chattanooga performers joined 108 nominees from around the country at The Juilliard School in New York City for 10 days of auditions, rehearsals, guest speakers and community building with actors, directors, choreographers and other Broadway professionals. The week culminated in the Jimmy Awards competition and their Broadway debut, performing in a showcase at the Minskoff Theatre (home to Disney’s “The Lion King”) on Monday.
"Jazhel and RC had the honor of working with acclaimed Broadway director and choreographer Luis Salgado,” said Nick Wilkinson, CEO of the Tivoli Theatre Foundation. “They made Chattanooga proud by performing on the same stage as one of the most celebrated Broadway productions of all time. It was truly a proud moment for everyone who supports our local performing arts community.”
In addition to performing three numbers featuring music from the 24-2025 Broadway season with a notable nod to “Sunset Boulevard,” the week also included attending a performance of “MJ The Musical” and a talkback with the cast, touring the New York City Public Library of Performing Arts, visiting the Museum of Broadway, and enjoying lots of New York City favorites such as Schmackary’s, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Magnolia Bakery.
“Thanks to the ongoing support of our donors and community, the Tivoli Theatre Foundation is proud to celebrate and strengthen Chattanooga’s high school theatre scene through the annual Jewel Awards,” said Mr. Wilkinson. “This year, we were thrilled to send our winners—Best Actor Jazhel Arostegui of Christian Heritage School and Best Actress RC Moore of Chattanooga Christian School—to New York City, all expenses paid, to help them pursue their Broadway dreams at the national Jimmy Awards.”
For more information, visit www.tivolichattanooga.com/education/jewelawards