Robert Poole is a finalist for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role at the ninth annual 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards show June 6 in downtown Seattle.

Poole, a Kentridge High senior, played Richie Cunningham in the school’s recent production of “Happy Days – A New Musical.”

The Kentridge production has 11 nominees overall, including going up against seven other schools for the Outstanding Overall Musical Production for the 2010-11 season.

“It’s not only the (large) number but the categories,” said Kentridge director Jennifer Grajewski. “We are nominated for a lot of the big ones.”

The other categories Kentridge is a finalist in include Outstanding Direction, Music Direction, Choreography, Orchestra, Performance by a Chorus, Performance by an Ensemble Group, Lighting Design, Stage Crew and Lobby Display.

Poole as well as the entire Kentridge cast will get a chance to perform at the awards show. Only the finalists for top musicals, leading actor and leading actress get the opportunity to perform at the event.

“I’m excited and surprised and proud of the kids,” Grajewski said.

Poole, who was featured in a April 29 Kent Reporter cover story about the musical, received his first nomination in four years with the Kentridge program.

“I am surprised because I know how tough the competition is,” Grajewski said about Poole’s nomination. “This is a nice way for him to go out for his high school career.”

Poole is up against seven other actors for the top honors.

In addition to Poole, Kentlake’s Alexandra Tedeschi is a finalist for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her part as Carlotta in “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Kentlake also is nominated for Outstanding Lighting Design. Kentlake and Kentridge also each received several honorable mention awards.

Officials at the 5th Avenue Theatre sent professionals to more than 100 high school productions across the state to pick the top nominees for the annual awards show. The nominees were announced May 17.

The Tony Awards-style show was created to honor the work, talent and commitment that students, parents and faculty devote to their school’s yearly musical productions, according to the 5th Avenue Theatre website. The theater uses the program to celebrate and acknowledge the value of high school theater programs, to introduce young people to The 5th Avenue Theatre and to nurture their appreciation for live musical theater.

For more information and a complete list of nominees, go to www.5thavenue.org and click on education and outreach and then school programs.

The awards show is at 7 p.m. June 6 at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle.

5th Avenue High School Musical

Theatre Awards 2011 Nominees

(Kent schools only)

*Outstanding Overall Musical Production

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Direction

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Music Direction

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Choreography

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Orchestra

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Scenic Design

Honorable Mention

Kentlake High School, The Phantom of the Opera

*Outstanding Lighting Design

Kentlake High School, The Phantom of the Opera

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Costume Design

Honorable Mention

Kentlake High School, The Phantom of the Opera

*Outstanding Stage Crew

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Lobby Display

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

Honorable Mention

Natalie Lawrence as Pinky, Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

Robert Poole as Richie, Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

Honorable Mention

Jacob Axelson as The Phantom of the Opera, Kentlake High School, The Phantom of the Opera

*Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

Alexandra Tedeschi as Carlotta, Kentlake High School, The Phantom of the Opera

Honorable Mention

Caelen Creaser as Marion, Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musicalr

*Outstanding Performance by a Chorus

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical

*Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Group

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical, The Carhops

Honorable Mention

Kentridge High School, Happy Days — A New Musical, The Dialtones