Trophy Winners
Annual Nona Awards
At Rising Youngstars, we believe it’s so important to recognise and celebrate the talents of all our young people. To achieve this, our 2025 Nona Awards grew to showcase more than just the stage talents of our group. Our trophy winners section is dedicated to shining a light on those achievements of everyone who steps through our doors. We don’t just celebrate the young people who take on leading roles, we also value the dedication of those who support their cast mates, the courage of those who step onto the stage for the very first time and the quiet strength of those who grow in confidence each week. Every child brings something special to our group, and our trophies are a way of showing just how proud we are of their hard work, creativity and spirit. These awards remind us that success isn’t only about applause or the spotlight- it’s about teamwork, personal growth and the joy of being part of something bigger. By recognising every journey, big or small, we hope each young person leaves knowing they are truly valued, celebrated, and an important star in our rising young stars family.
Senior Awards
The Rising Spirit Senior Award
The Rising Spirit Award is one of the highest honours presented at Rising Youngstars. This special award recognises a cast member who goes above and beyond, both on and off stage. It celebrates not only outstanding performance and dedication to their craft, but also the qualities that make a true team player — kindness, respect, helpfulness, and a positive attitude throughout the rehearsal process. This award honours the individual who is not only an excellent performer but uplifts others, supports their fellow cast members, contributes behind the scenes, and truly embodies the heart and spirit of what it means to be a Rising Youngstar.
2025 – Andrew Taylor
Greg Baxter Award for Most Promising Rising Youngstar
Awarded to a senior member of the group who, in the opinion of the production team &/or the committee has shown the greatest improvement over at least the last year, in terms of 1 or more of the following: singing, dancing, acting, focus, attitude, team spirit, confidence etc.
2009 – Ryan Kopel
2010 – Imogen Walker
2011 – Amy Baigrie
2012 – James Keenan
2013 – Penny Stephens
2014 – Abbie McLaren
2015 – Rose Stephens
2016 – Abbie Ogilvy
2017 – Alix Burness
2018 – Maddie Farquhar
2019 – Catie Mathieson
2022 – Franki Durston
2023 – Kai Hutcheon
2024 – Angus Crompton
2025 – Cameron Watson/Andrew Taylor
Brenda Letford Memorial Trophy
Awarded to a member of the group who, in the opinion of the production team &/or committee has shown a great work ethic and is a fantastic role model.
2005 – Greig Baxter
2006 – Karlene Douglas
2007 – Lisa Gray
2008 – Zoe Innes
2009 – Claire Butchart
2010 – Jessica Morton
2011 – Emma Cuthill
2012 – Imogen Walker
2013 – Lorcan Dyer
2014 – Rebekah Mitchell
2015 – Catrina Fraser
2016 – Cara Florence
2017 – Angus Crompton
2018 – Isla Nelson
2019 – Sam McCluskey
2022 – Erin Taylor
2023 – Andrew Taylor
2024 – Ailsa Muir
2025 – Abby Mclean
The Emerging Star Senior Award
The Emerging Star Award is a heartfelt recognition of growth, courage, and determination. This award honours a cast member who has made remarkable progress over the past year — someone who has stepped out of their comfort zone, built confidence, and truly grown as both a performer and a team member. Whether it’s finding their voice on stage, taking creative risks, or becoming more involved in group dynamics, this performer’s journey has been inspiring to witness. This award celebrates not just how far they’ve come, but the shining potential that lies ahead.
2025 – Rory Stevenson
Spotlight Star Senior Award
The Spotlight Star Award celebrates a standout performer who has truly shone in their role. This award recognises a cast member who has delivered an exceptional performance, fully embracing their character with confidence, creativity, and depth. This award honours someone who captivated the audience, brought their role to life with passion and precision, and demonstrated a strong stage presence that elevated the entire production. They didn’t just play a part — they became it, lighting up the stage with every performance
2025 – Nieve Knox
The True Grit Senior Award
Awarded to a cast member who shows unwavering determination, resilience, and a genuine love for musical theatre. At Rising Youngstars, we understand that everyone’s journey looks different — and this award honours someone who, even when things don’t come easily, never gives up. This performer may not always feel comfortable joining in every activity or speaking up, but they show up to rehearsals consistently, take everything in, and give their best when it matters most. They listen, learn in their own way, and when show week arrives, they shine — proving they’ve been absorbing, growing, and working hard all along.
Their quiet strength, dedication, and passion are a true inspiration to others, and they are a valued part of our Rising Youngstars family.
2025 – Oscar O’Brien
The Silent Star Senior Award
The Silent Star Award celebrates a cast member whose quiet presence speaks volumes. This award recognises someone who may not always be centre stage or the loudest voice in the room, but whose dedication, kindness, and consistency never go unnoticed. This performer contributes with grace and reliability, always giving their best, supporting others with quiet strength, and shining in their own gentle way. The Silent Star Award honours the power of presence — proving that you don’t have to be loud to make a lasting impact.
2025 – Molly Nicoll
Junior Awards
The Fiona Retalic Award for Most Promising Junior Rising Youngstar
Gifted by our Founder ad awarded to a junior member of the group who, in the opinion of the production team &/or the committee has shown the greatest improvement over the last year, in terms of 1 or more of the following: singing, dancing, acting, focus, attitude, team spirit, confidence etc.
2023 – Noah Rooney
2024 – Lexie McAllan
2025 – Maisie Houston
Spotlight Star Junior Award
The Spotlight Star Award celebrates a standout performer who has truly shone in their role. This award recognises a cast member who has delivered an exceptional performance, fully embracing their character with confidence, creativity, and depth. This award honours someone who captivated the audience, brought their role to life with passion and precision, and demonstrated a strong stage presence that elevated the entire production. They didn’t just play a part — they became it, lighting up the stage with every performance.
2025 – Robbie Nicoll
The Emerging Star Junior Award
The Emerging Star Award is a heartfelt recognition of growth, courage, and determination. Presented by Rising Youngstars, this award honours a cast member who has made remarkable progress over the past year — someone who has stepped out of their comfort zone, built confidence, and truly grown as both a performer and a team member.
Whether it’s finding their voice on stage, taking creative risks, or becoming more involved in group dynamics, this performer’s journey has been inspiring to witness. This award celebrates not just how far they’ve come, but the shining potential that lies ahead.
2025 – James Taylor
The Silent Star Junior Award
The Silent Star Award celebrates a cast member whose quiet presence speaks volumes. This award recognises someone who may not always be centre stage or the loudest voice in the room, but whose dedication, kindness, and consistency never go unnoticed. This performer contributes with grace and reliability, always giving their best, supporting others with quiet strength, and shining in their own gentle way. The Silent Star Award honours the power of presence — proving that you don’t have to be loud to make a lasting impact.
2025 – Phoebe Smith
The True Grit Junior Award
This Award is presented to a Junior cast member who shows unwavering determination, resilience, and a genuine love for musical theatre. At Rising Youngstars, we understand that everyone’s journey looks different — and this award honours someone who, even when things don’t come easily, never gives up. This performer may not always feel comfortable joining in every activity or speaking up, but they show up to rehearsals consistently, take everything in, and give their best when it matters most. They listen, learn in their own way, and when show week arrives, they shine — proving they’ve been absorbing, growing, and working hard all along.
Their quiet strength, dedication, and passion are a true inspiration to others, and they are a valued part of our Rising Youngstars family.
2025 – Max Kidd
The Bright Light Junior Award
This award celebrates a junior cast member who radiates positivity, enthusiasm, and encouragement throughout the entire production process. They may not always have the lead role, but their presence makes a difference in rehearsals and backstage. Lifting others up, keeping morale high, and always showing up with a smile.
This performer spreads kindness and support, brings great energy to the group and helps create a fun, welcoming environment for all
The Bright Light Award honours someone who embodies the heart and joy of Rising Youngstars — reminding us that a great attitude is just as powerful as a great performance.
2025 – Lexie McAllan
Special Recognition
In our 2024 production of Guys and Dolls, we wanted to recognise two cast members who worked extremely hard over the rehearsal period and showed great improvement both in confidence and performance.
Maura Adamson – Most Improved
Poppy McMahon – Most Improved
In our 2025 production of Beauty and the Beast, we wanted to recognise cast members who worked extremely hard over the rehearsal period and showed great improvement both in confidence and performance.
Lucy Rooney – Pride of RYs Award and Runner up of the Junior Bright Star Award
Sophie Daly – Pride of RYs
Aimee Cumming – Exceptional Performance (WOW Moment)
