Two Walled Lake Western students nominated for prestigious Sutton Foster Awards

Walled Lake Western’s Jasalyn Austin and Hanah Masri have been nominated for the 2026 Sutton Foster Awards for their performances in the Warriors’ rendition of Hadestown.

Austin, who played Hermes, and Masri, who played Persephone, were both recognized for Outstanding Performer in a Leading Role.

“Hannah and Jasalyn have put in countless hours perfecting their roles and honing their skills for this show,” said Walled Lake Western musical director, Collin Kay. “I am so proud they were chosen to represent Western’s theatre program at The Sutton Foster Awards. This is such a prestigious opportunity, and I hope they have an incredible experience!”

Austin and Masri will join Michigan’s other nominees for two weekends at Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing, where they will continue to develop their theatre skills in workshops led by industry professionals. At the conclusion of the workshops, they will take part in the Sutton Foster Awards Showcase at the Wharton Center in June. During that performance, judges will select Michigan’s two Outstanding Performer in a Leading Role winners. Those two winners will earn a $1,000 cash prize and fly to New York City to compete for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards on June 22 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre.