NEW ORLEANS – Keita Kawahara, a musical theatre student at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) and a senior at Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, has won BroadwayWorld’s Next On Stage, a national performing arts competition for high school students.
Kawahara claimed the top honor after advancing through multiple rounds of the national competition, culminating in a live finale at 54 Below in New York City. He performed “Losing My Mind” from Follies before a live audience and judges.
“It feels very surreal,” said Kawahara. “I wasn’t expecting to go this far, let alone win. It feels like I’ve been walking on clouds for the last few days.”
Kawahara, one of the first in his family to pursue a career in the arts, said his passion for theatre began at a young age. He recalled attending a Thanksgiving play featuring his older brother. “It wasn’t great, but I was completely in awe,” he said. “I turned to my mom and told her I wanted to be on stage. She supported that, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
NOCCA Musical Theatre instructor, Jose Simbulan, called the win a proud moment. “It was especially meaningful knowing Keita was performing and collaborating with artists I know in New York,” said Simbulan.
BroadwayWorld’s Next On Stage is one of the largest student musical theatre competitions in the country, recognizing emerging talent through public voting and live performance.
The win marks a significant achievement as Kawahara begins his final semester of high school. Looking ahead, he said he hopes to continue his training at the collegiate level.
“Post-NOCCA, the dream is to work professionally,” said Kawahara. “I’d love to attend a strong conservatory program that will help prepare me for the industry and, after that, start booking theatre work.”
About BroadwayWorld’s Next on Stage
BroadwayWorld’s Next On Stage is a national competition for high school and college students, created during the pandemic to showcase young talent sidelined by canceled shows, featuring seasons of online performances culminating in a live finale in NYC with industry judges, prizes like scholarships to AMDA/Atlantic Acting School, and a donation to a charity of choice, spotlighting future Broadway stars.