Minnetonka Student To Represent Minnesota on National Stage

Minnetonka’s Ryan McCartan has been chosen to represent Minnesota at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, which will take place later this month in New York City.

McCartan was chosen by the Hennepin Theatre Trust after a vigorous series of auditions and evaluations. He was chosen as a SpotLight Triple Threat Award winner last weekend, an honor that includes the privilege of going forward to the National Awards.  To see a full story, click .

Hennepin Theatre Trust, owner of the historic State, Orpheum and Pantages Theatres, is a non-profit organization devoted to enriching the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Twin Cities.

While in New York, McCartan will receive private coaching, participate in master classes and rehearsals and compete for the opportunity to receive the national Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress and Actor.

McCartan started his professional career at age eight, playing at the Great American History Theater. He has continued to work extensively in the Twin Cities area including productions at , Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the History Theatre, Seussical at the Children’s Theatre Company and The Master Butchers Singing Club and Little House on the Prairie at the Guthrie Theatre.

Following his graduation this week from Minnetonka High School, McCartan will enroll in the Guthrie/University of Minnesota BFA program beginning fall 2011.

He was recently named a , one of 20 high school students selected nationally to receive the award and one of only two winners in theater. It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an artistically talented graduating senior. The Scholars will be honored at a White House Ceremony on June 19, with the artists performing at the Kennedy Center on June 20.

Minnetonka’s was also a SpotLight Triple Threat Award finalist.