NEW CANAAN, CT (May 2026) – New Canaan High School Theatre students earned statewide recognition at the 2026 Halo Awards, bringing home multiple honors, including the evening's top award for contemporary musical theater.
Presented annually by Seven Angels Theatre, the Halo Awards recognize outstanding achievement in high school theatre programs across Connecticut. What began as an awards program for eight schools has grown into one of the state's premier celebrations of student theatre, now honoring more than 100 participating high schools each year.
Among this year's honorees, Serena Peterson and Tessa Madden received the award for Best Hair and Makeup Design for their work on Macbeth and Legally Blonde. In addition, Maddy Peterson, Serena Peterson, and Serra Savasoglu earned Best Specialty Ensemble honors for their portrayal of the three witches in Macbeth.
The evening culminated with New Canaan High School's production of Legally Blonde receiving the Halo Award for Best Overall Contemporary Musical, one of the program's highest honors.
"This recognition reflects the extraordinary talent, creativity, and dedication of our students, as well as the commitment of our theatre directors, production staff, and parent volunteers," said Laura Newell, Visual and Performing Arts Director. "The performing arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education, and we are incredibly proud of the way our students continue to represent New Canaan Public Schools on some of the state's biggest stages."
The Halo Awards were established to celebrate all aspects of high school theatre, recognizing students both onstage and behind the scenes. Awards honor excellence in acting, singing, dancing, stage management, technical theatre, design, orchestral performance, choreography, and overall production achievement.
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NCHS Theater Students at the 2026 Halo Awards
