Brake '18 & Novellin '21 RBTL Stars of Tomorrow

Senior, Emma Jo Brake, won Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Donkey in the school’s spring production of Shrek the Musical – an award she did not expect to win. “I know there are so many high school actors in Rochester so when I saw my name up on the screen, I couldn’t believe it. It was very exciting!”

This is Emma Jo’s second Stars of Tomorrow recognition. She received a Tip of the Hat award for her role as Sour Kangaroo in Aquinas’ 2015 production of Seussical the Musical. Over the past four years, Emma Jo has played a wide-variety of roles, which she believes has made her a more, well-rounded actress.

“I’m just really glad I had the opportunity to play such a goofy, fun, light-hearted character,” said Emma Jo of her role as Donkey. “It was a great show to be in with a lot of great people.”

Fellow Shrek cast mate, Nick Novellin, won Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role as Lord Farquaad – a fun part to play he said because, “you’re the villain, but you’re also the comedic relief and it’s so many different styles of acting that you’ve got to successfully combine into one character.”

Nick was also one of four actors nominated for the NYC Bound Best Actor Award – an ‘American Idol’ type competition where participants are narrowed down by appointed judges until one male and one female are selected to represent Rochester, NY at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA) in New York City.

NHSMTA participants will experience five days of musical theater rehearsals, master classes, private coaching and interviews with theater professionals. These student actors are eligible for college scholarships, professional internships, career coaching and opportunities for auditions.

Nick will compete in the local Stars of Tomorrow NYC Bound Competition on Thursday, May 24 at RBTL’s Auditorium Theatre. 



Pictured (top-bottom): Emma Jo Brake '18 as Donkey and Nick Novellin '21 as Farquaad in Aquinas' spring production of "Shrek the Musical."