Once again, San Dieguito Academy’s drama department continues the San Diego theatre scene, reflecting the abundance of talent fostered on campus year to year. This year, the fall musical theatre production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” was nominated for three Ben Vereen Awards, a ‘Tony-Award styled’ citywide high school theatre competition.

Drama teacher Stephanie Siers was nominated for “Best Local Theater Teacher,” and senior Jessica Morilak and junior Shea Galaudet were nominated for “Best Leading Actress.” In addition, the entire “Millie” cast was nominated for Best Musical. SDA was the only high school to have two girls nominated for best actress.

“My first thought was ‘Holy crap, I’ve got to belt ‘Gimme Gimme’ again,” said Morilak about her reaction to her nomination. ‘Gimme Gimme’ is a famous ballad sung by the title role ‘Millie Dillmount,’ played by Morilak in her final SDA musical production. “[Millie] was definitely one of the hardest roles I’ve had just because [the role] was crazy demanding vocally, physically, and acting wise,” Morilak said.

Galaudet also expressed Morilak’s same enthusiasm for her nomination. Galaudet and Morilak were only two of the 10 total nominations, though over 40 girls were considered for the award throughout San Diego. “[The nomination] makes everything more serious, more real, and more terrifying. I love it,” said Galaudet.

Similarly, both Galaudet and Morilak relate their successes back to the dedication of drama teacher Siers. “If I hadn’t been in [my first SDA musical “Legally Blonde”] I don’t know if I would be pursuing musical theatre now, so I’d definitely say Siers acted as the springboard toward my career,” Morilak said.

Appropriately, Siers won by a landslide for “Best Local Theater Teacher.” “It was a huge honor to receive Best Musical nomination. It definitely confirms the immense talent coming from SDA actors, technicians, and musicians. It feels amazing to see my students get recognized for their incredible amount of dedication and hard work,” said Siers.

The Ben Vereen Award Ceremony will take place May 29 at the Balboa Theatre. The winning students will be able to proceed to the regional competition, and from there possibly be given the chance to go to Nationals and perform on a Broadway stage.