Musical Theatre students win top honors at tri-state singing competition

Youngstown State University Musical Theatre students Brooke May and Ryan Bedi took home top honors at the 2024 National Association of Teachers of Singing’s (NATS) Tri-State Chapter "Student Auditions" Competition.

May of Columbiana, Ohio took home a first-place award in the Women's Treble Lower Collegiate Music Theatre Division and Bedi of Marietta, Pennsylvania earned first-place in Men's Tenor, Baritone, and Bass Lower Collegiate Music Theatre Division.

The event was held earlier this month at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.

The Tri-State Chapter of NATS encompasses Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia, drawing top talent from across the region. Competitors in the "Student Auditions" must first pass a rigorous preliminary round before performing for an audience of esteemed vocal instructors who serve as adjudicators.

"Brooke and Ryan distinguished themselves with powerful performances that outshone their peers, securing their victories with a clear margin. These wins highlight the strength of Youngstown State University’s music and theatre programs and its commitment to fostering exceptional talent," said Musical Theatre professor Charles Dugan.

“I'm proud of them for doing the brave and difficult thing of putting their art, selves and talent on the stage to be judged by all," shared Dugan. "They deserve the awards.”