Helena Padial ’26 was awarded Broadway’s Next Triple Threat award at the Chita Rivera Awards on May 18.
An Elon student recently earned national recognition for her talent in musical theatre after being named the recipient of Broadway’s Next Triple Threat award at the Chita Rivera Awards.
Helena Padial ’26, a music theatre major and Honors Fellow, received the honor during the annual awards ceremony in New York City. The Broadway’s Next Triple Threat award supports the next generation of artists who excel in dance, voice and acting.
Presented through the Chita Rivera Awards and produced by the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, the award is designed to support emerging performers as they transition into the professional theatre industry. In addition to national recognition, the recipient receives the Chita Rivera Training Grant, providing $10,000 of financial support to live, study and train plus, one year of free dance classes at New York City’s Steps On Broadway.
Padial learned about the award through her high school voice teacher, Celeste Simone, who coached Rivera. Although she was hesitant to apply at first.
“I initially was tentative about applying because it was a competition and I didn’t want to get caught up in too much self-comparison, but ultimately I decided that the feedback from industry names that I have looked up to for years would be worth it, even if I didn’t make it to the next round,” Padial said.
The initial application process included video submissions and written responses, including two songs and a dance solo. Adjudicators chose 15 semifinalists to advance to the next round. The second round included a video integrating song and dance where Padial choreographed a solo of “Sparkling Diamond” and “Diamonds are Forever,” which earned her a spot as one of the five finalists. The finalists participated in an immersive weekend of mentorship and training which culminated in a live performance at the Chita Rivera Awards.
The weekend consisted of intense sessions of classes, mock auditions, singing and 17 hours of dance in three days where the finalists were constantly being filmed and pulled into video interviews.
“My body has never felt so tired, but I knew I had to bring my A-game and keep challenging myself to show up as the best version of myself,” Padial said.
Padial did not know how the weekend would go as she was surrounded by other talented finalists. The finalists performed a number to “Too Darn Hot,” which they only had six hours to learn and ran through the number four times before performing it at the awards show.
“It was the fastest I have ever learned choreography and music and it took a ridiculous amount of stamina to perform, but it ended up being the most rewarding experience of my life,” Padial said.
That night she proved to herself what she was capable of.
“The experience was absolutely insane, it is still so surreal to me,” Padial said. “When I heard my name called that I won the award I immediately started shaking and freaking out because it was such a shock. 10 of my family members were at the awards to support me and hearing them cheer was so special.”
Throughout the weekend Padial had the opportunity to meet people in the industry she looked up to including Bebe Neuwirth, Jessica Lee Golden, Charlotte d’Amboise and Anne Margret.
“I feel so beyond lucky to have been awarded this grant, as it will definitely ease the financial stress as I move to New York and navigate this next period of my life,” Padial said. “It is also very validating and reassuring to know that my hard work is recognized and that I am capable of having a career in this very difficult industry.”
The weekend marked a full circle moment for Padial because Rivera surprised the cast of her seventh grade production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” and 10 years later she received the award in her name, in front of Anne Margret who starred in “Bye Bye Birdie.”
For Polly Cornelius, associate teaching professor of music, the recognition is a testament to Padial’s years of dedication.
“It is my honor to have been Helena’s voice professor for four years,” said Cornelius. “She has always been super focused and hardworking, but most importantly compassionate and kind.”
Cornelius praised Padial’s vocal ability throughout her time at Elon.
“Her voice is gorgeous, strong and versatile, meaning she is able to sing well in many styles from contemporary belt to soprano,” Cornelius said. “I am thrilled but not surprised at all that she won this prestigious award. I have always believed in Helena’s potential and look forward to following and supporting her on her career journey.”
After graduation, Padial will move home to Palisades, New York and commute into New York City for classes and auditions while also teaching musical theatre at Coupé, where she trained growing up.
In July, she starts rehearsals for “Antigone: 1989,” a new musical headed to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she will be performing in August.