Pittsburgh CLO's support of high school music theater is center stage Monday in New York City, where The Jimmy Awards -- a national version of the CLO's Gene Kelly Awards -- crowns stage stars of the future.

Kian McCollum, right, of Chartiers Valley High School and Elizabeth Bailey, left, of Pittsburgh CAPA, were named best actor and actress at the 2009 Kellys, which propelled them into the national competition among 32 students from 11 states.

Two winners will be announced Monday after five days of working with theater pros, and participants may be eligible for college scholarships, internships and other opportunities.

The Jimmy Award is named for the late Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander. Nederlander Presentations Inc. is co-producer of the national awards with Pittsburgh CLO.

Read more in PG senior theater critic Christopher Rawson's OnStage Journal at post-gazette.com/theater.