Back-to-School Special! Five Astonishing Student Performances of West Side Story, Les Miz & More

School is back in session, and you know what that means—it’s time to start practicing your audition songs for the school musical! But before you break out your sheet music for “On My Own” and “Something’s Coming,” we're bringing you some inspiration from talented Broadway hopefuls all over the country. After hours of intense Googling, YouTube spirals and snack breaks, Broadway.com has selected five stellar student performances that definitely deserve an A+. Check out our picks below!


The “Please Come to Broadway Now” Award
Aitana Alapa, Aida, Woods Cross High School
Casting directors, take note: If this video is any indication, high school student Aitana Alapa is clearly ready to star on Broadway immediately. The Woods Cross, UT production of Aida won Best High School Musical at the Utah High School Musical Theater Awards, and Alapa went on to compete at the 2014 Jimmy Awards. And no, we’re not ashamed to admit we cried a little while watching this.


Best Ensemble
Les Miserables, University High School
Even in a great high school production, there are usually a couple of weak links in the cast—let’s face it, not everyone can be the next Ramin Karimloo. But in this University High School production of Les Miz in Orlando, FL, every single cast member sounds like a pro. Special shout-outs to Jacob Tourjeman as Jean Valjean and Alex Mendez as Marius (seen here as Jesus and Judas in a UHS production of Jesus Christ Superstar)—you guys sound awesome.


The “Are Those High School Guys?!” Award
West Side Story, Staples High School
In a high school musical, finding a bunch of guys willing to even try on a pair of jazz shoes is a rarity. But bafflingly, Staples High School in Westport, CT has assembled a whole team of hoofing high school dudes who pirouette and leap around the stage with ease. Wow, check out those Shark high-kicks!


Most Impressive Set & Costumes
The Producers, Summit High School
There must be something in the water in Summit, NJ, because every one of Summit High School's musicals over the last few years has been absolutely kick-ass. The evidence: The Music Man, 42nd Street and Titanic. (You now have YouTube watching material for the next week.) But Summit really pulled out all the stops in their mounting of The Producers, tap-dancing Nazis and all. Sing it with us! "Springtime for Hitler and Germany..."


Best Overall Production
The Phantom of the Opera, Grand Ledge High School
There’s nothing more satisfying than a really amazing high school production of Phantom, and this Grand Ledge, MI mounting gets it right—the chandelier, the copious amounts of fog, the chemistry between Christine (Erin Fillingham) and the Phantom (Robert Mueller), it’s all there. The production reportedly cost $80,000, which if you ask us, is money well spent. Who needs a football team, pencils or textbooks? Bravi, bravi, bravissimi!