There’s a certain kind of Florida theatre kid who grew up measuring their dreams by the size of the stage at venues like the Van Wezel, Straz Center, or Dr. Philips Center. The kind who sat under that massive proscenium, watching a national tour roll through, and whispered some version of I want to do that someday.
For Lakeland native Ronnie Spoto, that moment didn’t just plant a seed—it gave him a spotlight.
In 2021, as a high school senior, Spoto stepped onto the Straz stage as a Jimmy Awards nominee, representing Florida in the most cutthroat talent pipeline in the country. “The Jimmy Awards was such a rewarding experience… I met lifelong friends who have helped me navigate this incredibly fast-paced business,” he said. “It’s so important… to have a group of people who have your back.”…