Kravis Center Spotlights Rising Stars

JJ Korkin, Jonathan Jacknow
(Photo Credit: Alicia Donelan)

(Press Release) (West Palm Beach, FL) – The stage was set, the lights were bright and the talent was undeniable at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ sixth annual Dream Awards on June 1, 2025. The event brought together more than 130 student performers from 15 high schools across Palm Beach County, who participated in the regional awards program for the chance to reach the Broadway stage. JJ Korkin from A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach received the Outstanding Female Actress award and Jonathon Jacknow from American Heritage School in Delray Beach received the Outstanding Male Actor award.

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Miss Korkin and Mr. Jacknow will go on to participate in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards®, to represent Palm Beach County in New York City. They will participate in an all-expense paid 12-day field studies program in preparation for their performances on Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre stage on June 23, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
 
“JJ and Jonathon exemplify the passion and talent we see every year through the Dream Awards and we celebrate all the students who brought their best to this journey,” said Tracy C. Butler, Senior Director of Education at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. “This program is about more than recognizing excellence; the Dream Awards are about empowering young artists, championing arts education and showcasing the incredible creativity thriving in our local schools.”
 
The recipients recognized for their achievement in musical theater productions in the other award categories included Samantha Marchena from A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Outstanding Lead Actress Alternate; Alex Morfogen from The King’s Academy, Outstanding Lead Actor Alternate; Georgia Paul from Grandview Preparatory School, Outstanding Supporting Actress; Adam Picariello-Heighes from A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Outstanding Supporting Actor; Mia Gonzalez from The King’s Academy, Outstanding Ensemble Actress; Francisco Del Valle from Palm Beach Central High School, Outstanding Ensemble Actor; Alexa Lasanta from A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Outstanding Featured Female Dancer; and Brody Marcus from A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Outstanding Featured Male Dancer. And the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts received the Outstanding Musical Award for its production of “A Chorus Line: Teen Edition.”
 
Judges at this year’s Dream Awards included Julio Agustin, Broadway Actor and leading career coach; Crista Moore, Broadway, TV and Film Actress, Singer, Dancer and two-time Tony Award® nominee; and Dan Lobuono-Wahl, Casting Director for Disney Live Entertainment casting for Walt Disney World. The event featured The Dream Awards’ 14-piece orchestra under the direction of Broadway veteran, Steve Freeman.
 
Sponsored by Ricki Gail Conway and The Doris & Stanley Tananbaum Foundation, the Kravis Center launched this performing arts education initiative for high school students during the 2017-2018 school year. For six years, the Kravis Center has hosted the Dream Awards, inviting public and private high schools in Palm Beach County to participate in the yearlong program. Schools must choose from an approved list of productions to be considered.
 
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of South Florida’s premier performing arts centers, located in downtown West Palm Beach. Since 1992 the Kravis Center has hosted the very best in live entertainment featuring world-class artists in music, comedy, dance, Broadway and more. Since opening its doors, the Kravis Center has welcomed millions of students to its comprehensive arts education programs. Students of all ages can participate in a variety of workshops, classes and special events, as well as free and reduced-price tickets to those who might not otherwise have the chance to experience live performances.
 
To learn more about the Kravis Center’s other education programs, visit kravis.org/education-community. To help support the Kravis Center’s education mission, please call the Development Department at 561.651.4320 or visit kravis.org and click on Giving and Support.