Middleton High School senior Ava Greenberg will compete in the finale of BroadwayWorld's Next On Stage vocal competition in New York City on Jan. 18.
The national competition was held over six weeks, and contestants were narrowed down to three finalists. Each week, contestants submitted a video of a musical theater performance that was reviewed by a panel of Broadway professionals who provided feedback. The panel's review combined with votes from the public determined which contestants advanced to the next round.
The competition is also an opportunity to earn scholarships and work with top vocal coaches.
“I’ve always loved to perform,” Greenberg said. “I’ve always had a passion for singing.”
Growing up, she took voice, dance and piano lessons. She continued to practice and train throughout high school.
At Middleton High School, she’s involved in Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and the student-led Bristol Street a cappella group. She’s also a vocalist with the 7 O’Clock Jazz ensemble, and she performs in the theater’s musicals.
Outside of school, Greenberg’s passion for performance has included several roles in Children’s Theater of Madison productions. Her first show was “Matilda the Musical” in 2019.
“Doing my first professional show was the spark that led me to keep performing,” Greenberg said. “They build a community where you really learn how to work in a professional theater environment, and they also create a family.”
Her last show with Children’s Theater of Madison was playing the title role in the theater's adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” in 2024.
“That was definitely a special one to end on,” Greenberg said. “Children’s Theater of Madison is an integral part of the Madison arts community, and they’re an amazing organization to get involved with. They will always have a special place in my heart.”
Greenberg has not had time for extra performances during her senior year as she prepares for college auditions, but she has already accumulated numerous accolades. She has earned multiple Jerry Awards, which recognize exceptional talent in performance, technical production, and overall excellence in high school musical theater across the state. The honor is often referred to as Wisconsin’s version of the Tony Awards.
Greenberg earned a Jerry Award for the lead performance in “Little Red” during her freshman year and for her role as Hope Cladwell in “Urinetown” during her sophomore year. Her junior year, she received a Jerry Award for her role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast.
“The Jerry Award in my sophomore year allowed me to compete in the national high school theater awards, which is called the Jimmy Awards,” Greenberg said, explaining that those who earn recognition as the lead performer in the Jerry Awards are eligible to audition for the Jimmys.
She earned a trip to New York City to participate in the Jimmy Awards in 2024, making Next On Stage her second competition in the Big Apple. Friends that Greenberg met through the Jimmy Awards encouraged her to send in a submission for the Next On Stage competition.
As Greenberg advanced in the competition with her weekly submissions, she was supported by Middleton community members who cast votes for her performances.
“Ms. Brunner found out and sent out the word to lots of people in Middleton,” Greenberg said. “I don’t know if I would even be going if it wasn’t for all of the people here who voted for me.”
“It’s been a dream to work with Ava,” said Katrina Brunner who teaches English and communications at Middleton High School and is the director of the Middleton Theater. “Ava deserves every single thing she’s getting. She works so hard in a way that’s smart and focused. She takes initiative, and it’s a delight to have as part of a team. I could not be prouder of her.”
Perks for the Next On Stage finalists include a trip to New York City and two tickets to see “The Great Gatsby” on Broadway, which Greenberg will watch with her mom. Greenberg’s parents and younger brother and sister will be there to support her as she takes the stage for the finale at 54 Below.
The restaurant and bar is known as a hub for Broadway performers and working actors in New York City.
“It’s an incredible venue,” Greenberg said. “I get to say that I have my 54 Below debut, which is really exciting.”
Greenberg will sing “My Man” from “Funny Girl” for her performance.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone,” Greenberg said. “The opportunity to work with people who are currently on Broadway and that were on Broadway and are working in this industry is incredible. And I’m excited to meet the judges. After learning so much from them online to now being able to sing for them in person and take their feedback and really work with it is exciting.”
When she returns to Middleton, she’ll play the role of Eurydice in the high school theater’s production of Hadestown.
“It’s an incredible show,” Greenberg said. “The story itself is so heartbreaking but it’s a really special show. It’s a super ensemble-heavy show, and everyone has been working really hard – especially Ms. Brunner and her husband – to make it the best possible version to present to everyone.”
It will be her final Middleton High School musical.
“I remember being in middle school and I couldn’t wait to be part of high school shows, and it’s crazy that now this is my last one.”
Join us in congratulating Greenberg and wishing her best of luck in New York City, and come watch Greenberg and the talented cast of Hadestown in February!