Robbie Troyan '24 Shines as Jimmy Awards Nominee

Talon Theatre standout Robbie Troyan ’24 recently had the chance to be part of the prestigious Jimmy Awards in New York City, where he was up for the Best Performance by an Actor award. To get to the Jimmy Awards, nominees must win their regional award show; Talon Theatre participates in the MACY Awards, where Troyan won Best Actor this spring, punching his ticket to the Jimmys.

During his time in NYC, Troyan stayed at dorms housed on Julliard’s campus where he and other nominees prepared for a week-long intensive. Some of their experiences included choreography and discussion with MJ the Musical choreographers, attending a Broadway production, going to the Tony Awards dress rehearsal and the show itself, seeing their headshot in Times Square, getting coached by industry professionals, and participating in press-invited rehearsals.

The Jimmy Awards were hosted by Josh Groban at the Minskoff Theatre, home of Broadway’s The Lion King. Many industry professionals were present, including top Broadway casting directors, original Broadway Cast members and legendary composer Alan Menken. Troyan made his Broadway debut in front of these people, performing in the opening number, featured number, and closing number.

While hosting, Groban emphasized the importance of “hiring a theatre kid” because they are problem solvers, passionate, creative thinkers, and problem solvers. He also added that for some nominees, the Jimmys would be their finish line; for others, this is just the starting line.

Talon Theatre Director Kennedy Kemmerer ’19 joined Troyan and his family on this trip, which she says was “Robbie’s starting line.”

“We are so excited to see how Robbie takes his experience from the Jimmy Awards and continues to be an authentic storyteller wherever his path takes him,” Kemmerer said.

Troyan’s next stop on the journey is at the University of Washington where he will double major in psychology and theatre. Troyan considered not continuing in theatre before his senior year, but Kemmerer says his passion for storytelling grew as he played the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland and Tiernan in The Pirate Queen.

“I was so overwhelmed by the true sense of camaraderie among all the students who were sent. Even though we were from all over the country, we shared such a passion for storytelling, and it allowed us to become a unique support system to each other,” Troyan said of his experience. “This community, combined with all the opportunities that we were exposed to as Jimmy Awards nominees, made my week in New York an unbelievable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Kemmerer says being able to send an SMCHS student to the Jimmy Awards “means the world.”

“This nomination means we are doing the right kind of artistic work in our productions, classes, and training,” Kemmerer added. “Seeing Robbie on that Broadway stage felt like he was at home. He was not there for the applause, the bow, or recognition from others. He was there to serve and story-tell. That is powerful.”