The graduating Fort Dodge Senior High School student had just heard her name called as a 2023 Triple Threat Award winner from the state of Iowa — making her a national “Jimmy Awards” qualifier — then delivered an encore solo performance at the Des Moines Civic Center to cap a memorable and historic night for her school.

With all eyes on Casciato as the star of the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards show, she instead focused on a support system that has helped guide her every step of the way.

“Winning the Triple Threat Award was one of the biggest honors I have ever received,” said Casciato, the first overall Triple Threat Award recipient in Fort Dodge Senior High history. “It is one of those awards that you always dream of getting, but never really feel is possible. Initially, I was completely shocked to have received the award. There were so many talented people in the Triple Threat program, so I felt so honored to be chosen from among that talent pool.

“Additionally, I was so proud to be able to represent Fort Dodge. It is an honor to show all the things that Fort Dodge is capable of. Now that I have processed the achievement a little more, I am still so humbled and honored to have been chosen, and I am so completely excited to travel to New York and experience such a wonderful opportunity.”

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Grace Casciato, a recently-graduated Fort Dodge Senior High student, performs during a Brady O'Brien Live concert. Casciato was named one of two Jimmy Award winners from the state at the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards show on Thursday night in Des Moines.

Casciato, who played Fantine in FDSH’s 96th musical production, “Les Miserables,” in late April, will be joined by fellow Iowa representative Croix Baker, of Davenport Central. The state’s duo will be two of less than 100 Jimmy Award contenders from across the country who will visit New York City for a nine-day camp and perform at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway June 26.

The Jimmy Awards finalists are picked from over 120,000 students at more than 1,700 schools nationwide.

“Being able to represent Fort Dodge is one of the things I am most proud of in this whole process,” said Casciato, who will be attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, this fall. “Being a less ‘well known’ town, Fort Dodge often gets discounted in these types of arenas. I am so proud that I get to show others the immense talent and incredible community we have in Fort Dodge.

“When I got to meet my school after receiving the award, my classmates and directors (Matt Drees and Lindey Krug) erupted into cheering, and we all just freaked out. It meant so much to us as a whole, and I have never felt so loved and supported. Our cheering was so loud that even the employees at the Civic Center noticed and commented on the moment. That is one memory I will cherish forever.”

Casciato joined dozens of other Triple Threat candidates in an intense preparation process before Thursday’s program.

“This helped me to grow immensely as a performer and a person,” Casciato said. “In working with our outstanding music director, Chris Littlefield, choreographers Tiger Brown and Bonnie Kelly, and host Morgan Marcell, they all had one message in common: When it comes to musical theater, especially auditions, know your worth and trust that you bring something unique to the table. Then, you get to share that with others. If they don’t want it, you take it back and share it with the next person.

“Outcomes do not reflect your skill as an artist. This is an important mentality that I will be applying to my musical theater journey from here on out.”

Casciato has already beaten the odds to reach this point. She will use her trip later this month as an opportunity to learn and grow even more both on and off the stage.

“Now that I am headed to New York City, my biggest goal is to do my absolute best, to take every opportunity to grow and improve, and to discover more about myself as an artist,” Casciato said. “Obviously, it would be amazing to be recognized for these efforts with awards, but the biggest value truly is in the experience.

“I would not be where I am today without the amazing support of the people around me. Firstly, I am so thankful that God supported me each step of the way. All of this that I do is for His glory, not mine. Secondly, I would not have survived this whole process without my amazing parents. They have sacrificed so much in order to get me to where I am, and they have been incredibly supportive throughout all of it. I am also so thankful for my siblings, who gave up a lot of time with me in order for me to achieve this. I also have to give a shout out to the amazing Joshua Madden, who has been the biggest cheerleader every step of the way. Lastly, thank you so much to my church family at CrossWay Church. You all have been so kind, loving, and supportive beyond measure. Thank you for showing me Christ.”

Casciato wasn’t the only Dodger to be recognized during the IHSMTA ceremony on Thursday night. Classmate Aaron Amhof received one of just four Broadway Intensive Camp scholarships. Sophomore Alexa McHone represented FDSH as a community engagement honoree for the school’s work to support the The Lotus Community Project shelter during this year’s musical, “Les Miserables.”

Casciato, Amhof, Mikeal Campbell and Brayden Schmieder were all Triple Threat finalists – an award given to the state’s most outstanding performers in a principal role.

The “Jimmy Awards” are named after the late producer and theater owner James M. Nederlander.