Local students earn Apple Awards nominations across NCW

WENATCHEE — Student performers from across North Central Washington have been recognized for their work on stage, with nominees announced April 21 for the 2026 Apple Awards at the Numerica Performing Arts Center.

The annual awards program celebrates high school theater productions across the region, with this year’s nominations drawn from 13 shows evaluated by a panel of 16 volunteer adjudicators.

Local schools are well represented among the nominees.

Cashmere High School’s productions of “Once Upon a Mattress” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” earned multiple nominations, including recognition for performers Eliana Thomas and Dylan Cornea in leading roles. Chelan High School’s “The Mysterious Murder at Manchester Manor” also received nominations, including a nod for Evan Hooten in a lead role.

Wenatchee High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors” is also strongly represented, with Kade Devereaux and Iris Jaffe earning nominations for leading roles. At Eastmont High School, “Little Women” brought nominations for Clara Lebow and Annesley Edwards, along with Maclain Larson in a supporting role. Eastmont’s “Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion” also earned recognition, including nominations for MaryElise Clifton and Jameson Maydole.

Across the region, schools including Moses Lake, Quincy and Ephrata were also recognized in categories spanning musical and play performances, as well as technical and stage management roles.

The Apple Awards aim to highlight not only standout performances, but the collaborative work behind each production, from actors on stage to students working behind the scenes, while encouraging continued growth in high school theater programs across the region.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 14 at the Numerica Performing Arts Center in downtown Wenatchee. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event is directed by Brian Higgins and produced by Kylee Boggs.

Tickets range from $18 to $26.50 and are available online at https://purchase.numericapac.org/Events.

Students, educators and community members will gather for the annual ceremony, which serves as both a celebration of the season’s work and an investment in the future of performing arts across the valley.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media