Celebrating Iowa’s Rising Stars: Two Students Earn Top Honors at 2026 IHSMTA Showcase

After an unforgettable evening celebrating the very best of Iowa high school musical theater, Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s highly sought-after Triple Threat Awards. Wrigley Mancha of Davenport Central High School (Davenport) and Peyton Haacke of Southeast Polk High School (Pleasant Hill) were honored at the 2026 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA) Showcase presented by EMC Insurance – and will go on to represent Iowa on a national stage next month. 

Spotlight on Iowa’s Triple Threat Winners

Selected for their exceptional abilities in acting, singing and dancing – as well as their embodiment of the IHSMTA spirit – Wrigley and Peyton now join an elite group of Iowa students who have earned this opportunity. 
 
Wrigley Mancha, a senior, recently captivated audiences as Cinderella in Into the Woods. Her impressive resume also includes standout roles such as Fantine in Les Misérables School Edition, Jane Doe in Ride the Cyclone Teen Edition and Chava in Fiddler on the Roof at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse. Wrigley plans to attend the University of Iowa this fall, where she will pursue a double major in Public Health and Theatre Arts. 
 
Peyton Haacke, a senior, brought heart and humor to his portrayal of Horton the Elephant in Seussical the Musical. His previous roles include SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical, Angel in Rent and Uncle Fester in The Addams Family. Peyton will continue his theatrical training at The Institute for American Musical Theater in New York City, taking his next steps toward a career on the stage. 
 
As Triple Threat Award recipients, Wrigley and Peyton will travel to New York City from June 12–23 to participate in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, also known as the Jimmy Awards®. During this 11-day immersive experience, they will train alongside top high school performers from across the country, working with Broadway professionals through master classes, private coaching and rehearsals. 
 
Their journey will culminate in a live performance on June 22 at the Minskoff Theatre – home to Disney’s The Lion King – a moment that reflects both their talent and the strength of arts education across Iowa.  
 
This opportunity reflects what is possible when young people are given access to high-quality arts experiences, and DMPA is committed to providing a stage for Iowa’s next generation of artists to get their start – a place where creative expression becomes a pathway to connection, confidence and lifelong growth.

Investing in Iowa’s Young Artists

DMPA’s role as an official regional awards program for the Jimmy Awards underscores a broader mission: to be a complete home for the arts – a place where art is not only seen, but created, taught and lived.

This year, students from over 100 schools were invited to audition for the Triple Threat program based on their work in school productions. Over three days, finalists participated in intensive rehearsals, coaching sessions with local university faculty and workshops led by New York-based theater professionals, providing a transformative experience that extends far beyond the stage. 
 
In addition to the top honors, four students were awarded scholarships to DMPA’s Broadway Intensive Camp, further extending opportunities for growth and professional development. These scholarships, made possible through generous donor support, ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of participation. Congratulations to:

• Natalie Sierk, North Scott High School (2025 Triple Threat recipient)
• Audrey Seneli, Bettendorf High School
• Riley Beck, Dubuque Senior High School
• Levi Lane, Spencer High School 

These students will participate in a week-long summer program led by guest Broadway performers, focusing on building the fundamental “triple threat” skills and culminating in a final showcase.

A Statewide Celebration of Student Achievement

The IHSMTA program continues to grow, highlighting the incredible talent and dedication of students, educators and communities across Iowa. From just nine schools in 2012 to 117 participating schools in 2026, the program now reaches thousands of students throughout the year. This year’s showcase featured 650 student performers and technicians, shining a spotlight not only on performers on stage but also on those working behind the scenes. 
 
Through adjudication, feedback and recognition across numerous categories – including Outstanding Musical Production, Performance, Ensemble and Technical Achievement – IHSMTA embodies DMPA’s commitment to empowering young people through the performing arts. And as we celebrate Wrigley, Peyton and all who participated, we’re reminded that moments like these are made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in arts education. Their support ensures students across Iowa can learn, grow and thrive through the arts. 
 
We can’t wait to cheer on Wrigley and Peyton as they take the stage in New York City and represent Iowa with pride.