Joliet West High School student Charlotte Dean has earned a rare statewide honor, being named one of just 24 student nominees selected from 348 applicants representing 95 schools for the 2026 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards presented by Broadway in Chicago.

Dean was nominated in the Best Performer in an Actress Role category for her performance as Delilah McPhee in Joliet West’s production of Between the Lines. Broadway in Chicago announced that the 24 nominees across all categories were chosen from a record-breaking pool of student applicants statewide, making Dean’s recognition especially notable.

“Charlotte’s nomination is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Joliet West Director of Choirs Tim DeBoer. “To be selected from such a competitive field is a rare honor, and we are incredibly proud of her talent, dedication and the way she represented Joliet West.”

The Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards celebrate excellence in high school theatre across Illinois and serve as the state’s regional program for The Jimmy Awards, the national high school musical theatre competition. The 2026 IHSMTA ceremony is scheduled for May 11 at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, where nominees will perform and compete before Chicago casting agents and theatre professionals.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Heim