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Tyler Dranichak (left) and Havana Sullivan (right) perform in Chicago: Teen Edition in March 

APRIL 20, 2026—Pal-Mac is proud to announce two student-performers have been selected to represent the District in a big opportunity for their work on the stage.

Seniors Tyler Dranichak and Havana Sullivan were announced as nominees for the Rochester Broadway Theater League (RBTL) Stars of Tomorrow NYC Bound competition.

The competition will see one Leading Male and one Leading Female be selected to represent the Rochester area at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA), also known as The Jimmy Awards®. The awards are like the Tony’s, but for high school students.

Dranichak and Sullivan are among 38 other students selected from across the region, which was narrowed down from roughly 200 leads. The duo were among the lead roles in Pal-Mac’s spring musical performance of “Chicago: Teen Edition.” Sullivan played as “Roxie Hart,” while Dranichak played the role of her lawyer, “Billy Flynn.”

“Honestly, the one word that comes to mind for me is electric,” Dranichak said. “I feel like I have an electric current running through my body at all times right now. I'm always thinking about how I can improve with my vocals and everything like that.”

The RBTL sends out an inquiry to interested leads every year, and students have the opportunity to indicate if they would be interested. Following last year’s performance of “Mamma Mia!” Dranichak opted not to pursue the opportunity, but added he had a different mindset this year, as he said he wanted to go “out with a bang” his last year.

For Sullivan, the chance to go to the Big Apple is a familiar one, as she went through the same process last year. Sullivan and 2025 graduate Ryan Fink were nominated, and then selected to represent Pal-Mac via the WROC “Fan Favorite” vote. Sullivan made it all the way to the top 20.

"Oh my gosh, it was the best feeling,” Sullivan said.”I think that the New York City bound program is honestly the highest honor that a high school student in theater can receive in our community. To be a part of that group. It's just such an overwhelming feeling, and I was just so overjoyed to be able to be a part of it again.”

From here, Dranichak and Sullivan will perform at preliminary auditions, which are in front of two Broadway judges. Following that audition, judges will select and announce 20 nominees to advance, which will take place at the annual Stars of Tomorrow Awards on May 8. Immediately following the announcement, selected students will only have a few minutes to prepare and perform. Eventually, the number will be whittled down to just two representatives.

While Sullivan may be in familiar territory and Dranichak may be not, both are approaching the opportunity with a similar mindset.

“I think that because I had no concept of how the process was last year, it was very out of body and overwhelming,” Sullivan said. “I think that this year, I have a little bit better of a game plan. I know what to expect.”

Dranichak echoed Sullivan’s readiness, and he gave credit to the guidance they’ve received from High School Select Choir Director Mrs. Katie Tichenor, and High School Theater Director Mrs. Kimberly Day.

“I'm ready to be ready,” Dranichak said. “I'm ready to put the work in. I think this year we've had a lot more time given to us to prepare in prior years. “Every step of the way, they've been very helpful, but I'm ready to be ready.“

Sullivan echoed the support of the District, adding that while it’s ultimately on the students to put forward award-winning efforts, Pal-Mac has helped lay the groundwork for them to do so.

Ahead of their auditions, both student-performers encouraged their fellow cast members to pursue the arts, and the NYC bound opportunity. 

“Once you get your name out there, you make so many connections, so many friends, so many opportunities come your way,” Sullivan said.

“Even if you don't want to do this NYC bound stuff, do the musical next year,” Dranichak said. “It's fun and it is an amazing experience and I cannot recommend it enough.”

In addition to Dranichak and Sullivan’s selection, Pal-Mac’s theater program will be in the running for several other awards at the ceremony on May 8. Pal-Mac is proud to remain an RBTL partner, and proud to continue to support our performing arts.