After winning Best Actress at the Stephen Sondheim Awards, Delia Canarie, a member of the Conard High School Class of 2026, was selected to represent the region at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as The Jimmy Awards. 

By Roz Green

Conard’s own Delia Canarie received the Best Actress award for her incredible portrayal of Reno Sweeney in the West Hartford high school’s spring musical production of Anything Goes, leading to the exciting opportunity of being a Jimmy Awards nominee.

As a Jimmy Awards nominee, Canarie has the opportunity to spend 10 days in New York City working alongside Broadway professionals, participating in fun theater-related activities, and rehearsing with other dedicated students from across the country, who are just as motivated and driven as she is. 

Canarie first got involved in musical theater when she was 7 years old, after seeing her older brothers participate in their local theater program. “I really enjoyed it, and have done it ever since,” said Canarie in a phone interview during a break from her activities in New York.

Delia Canarie as Reno Sweeney. Conard High School Performing Arts presents “Anything Goes,” March 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

When she was selected from among eight regional best actress finalists to advance to the Jimmy Awards, she couldn’t control her emotions. “I was crying when they announced it. I was still in my wig and costume,” said Canarie. “It is just such an honor to be recognized at such a national level. Being here and seeing people who are just as passionate as me has been really humbling.” 

Canarie is only the second Conard student to earn this opportunity – and Conard is the only school in Connecticut to send more than one student to the Jimmy Awards. In 2024, James Thibault won the Stephen Sondheim Award for his portrayal of Javert in Les Misérables and also was a Jimmy Awards nominee, finishing as a finalist among the top four in the country. “I’ve always looked up to the other Conard nominee,” said Canarie, “and I thought, if James can do this, I can do this.”

Delia Canarie accepts the Sondheim Award for Best Actress. Photo Credit: Danny Bristoll Photo

Canarie expressed how incredible it is that Conard’s theater program offers numerous opportunities and is full of amazing instructors who encourage students to achieve their goals. “Hunter Parker and Sam Eurich, they put so much time and energy into it and they are both so supportive of all their students,” said Canarie. She also expressed her gratitude for the funds given to Conard’s art program by West Hartford Public Schools to make her experience possible, while urging for other public schools to do the same for their students. 

While just getting nominated was a dream for Canarie, one of the most memorable parts of her week at the Jimmy Awards has been being surrounded by other students who share the same passion. “It was so cool to look around and see all these amazing performers. The future of this industry is so bright, and it’s proven to me that I think I can still do this,” said Canarie, who plans on pursuing a career in musical theater now that she has graduated.

In the fall, Canarie will attend Oberlin Conservatory to earn her bachelor’s degree in music. She also plans to continue training and start to really narrow her focus down to studying musical theater and dance. “I also just want to put myself out there in this world. I want to be going to open calls, auditions, and meet more people in the industry,” said Canarie, enthusiastic to take her next step. 

Delia Canarie performs at the Sondheim Awards. Photo Credit: Danny Bristoll Photo

One piece of advice that Canarie would give to younger students who share the same dream is: “As much as you are able, take the lessons, take the acting and dance lessons, get a vocal coach, if it isn’t accessible, do online dance videos, do whatever you can.” She urges people to take all the opportunities and do whatever is in their ability to pursue their passion. She also advises people to figure out who they are, and be exactly that. Don’t change for anyone, because being confident in who you are is extremely important, she advises.

Canarie will take the stage for the Jimmy Awards ceremony, hosted by Bowen Yang, at Broadway’s historic Minskoff Theatre on Monday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m., when Canarie takes the stage at as part of the nationally recognized Jimmy Awards ceremony. The event celebrates excellence in high school musical theater and has helped launch the careers of numerous Broadway performers. The event is sold out, but will be live-streamed and those interested in viewing can find the link available at jimmyawards.com prior to the ceremony.

“Delia’s talent, dedication, and commitment to her craft have made her an exceptional representative of our theater program,” said Conard Theatre Director Hunter Parker. “We are thrilled to see her recognized at the regional level and excited to cheer her on as she performs on a Broadway stage.”

Parker, and Conard Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble, said, “The entire school community congratulates Delia on this remarkable achievement and wishes her continued success as she represents Connecticut and the Stephen Sondheim Awards program at the national level.”

After completing this incredible experience, Canarie is excited to keep pursuing her dream and begin her adult life as she ventures into the exciting world of performance. Her ultimate goal in life is to perform on Broadway, and with her positive attitude and bright spirit, she is determined to make it to the big stage. 

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.