Will Dusek Wins Hennepin Theater Trust's Triple Threat Award

June 12, 2018

Cretin-Derham Hall rising senior Will Dusek has won the prestigious Triple Threat Musical Theater award sponsored by the Hennepin Theater Trust Spotlight Program. The Triple Threat award recognizes excellence in acting, singing, and dancing. Only four students in the state are selected for this honor.

Following a vigorous series of evaluations, Dusek was selected after a live performance on June 11 and will be honored with the Spotlight Education Triple Threat Broadway Experience. That experience is an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to meet with industry professionals, participate in workshops, and attend Broadway shows later this summer.

In May, Dusek was recognized with an Outstanding Individual Award from the Spotlight Program for his portrayal of Billy Lawlor in CDH’s production of 42nd Street. He and fellow castmates received a total of 11 awards for the show. Dusek then submitted a portfolio of his work for Triple Threat consideration. Earlier in June, he was chosen as one of 26 finalists from around the state.

CDH Theater Director Katie Kreitzer said about Dusek, “As a ninth grader, Will understudied the leading role in How to Succeed. The actor got sick and Will ended up performing that role twice. It was during those performances that I realized Will had what it takes to do this as a career. He makes singing, dancing, and acting look easy and it's not. He is truly a triple threat.”

Spotlight Education spokesperson, Laura Osnes, a Minnesota native and Broadway performer, will welcome the winners to New York City where they will receive singing and acting mentoring, participate in workshops and learn from industry professionals about the entertainment business. They will also attend a number of Broadway shows.