Carnegie Mellon Graduate Triumphs at Tony Awards with Best Musical Win

On June 7, 2026, the glitz and glamour of Broadway illuminated the 79th Annual Tony Awards held in New York City, where alumni from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) showcased their undeniable talent. The evening was a celebration of creativity, culminating in a huge win for CMU alumna Jamie deRoy, who secured the coveted Tony Award for Best Musical for her contributions to the production of "Schmigadoon."

The Tony Awards, hosted by the iconic P!NK, was broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, bringing together theatrical talents from across the country. The show not only honored established stars of the stage but also highlighted the extraordinary achievements of CMU alumni, maintaining a tradition of excellence in the arts.

CMU's influence was palpable throughout the event as many of its alumni, including Josh Gad and Rory O'Malley, who both graduated in 2003, took the stage in celebration of the 15th anniversary of "The Book of Mormon." Their reunion was a heartwarming reminder of the connections forged at CMU, a school renowned for its School of Drama.

Among the noteworthy moments was Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (2003), who moved the audience with a poignant performance of "Without You" from "Rent," honoring the musical's 30th anniversary.

The legacy of CMU as a powerhouse of theatrical talent is well established. The CMU School of Drama, recognized as the oldest degree-granting drama school in the United States, has consistently provided the industry with skilled performers, designers, and educators. At this year's Tony Awards, the school's commitment to excellence was further solidified.

Jamie deRoy, the producer of the award-winning "Schmigadoon," is not only a distinguished alumna of the CMU School of Drama (Class of 1967) but also received an honorary doctoral degree in Fine Arts during the university's May commencement ceremony. DeRoy expressed her excitement in seeing CMU's creative community recognized on Broadway's biggest stage, saying, “The Carnegie Mellon community is thrilled to see the extraordinary creativity and talents of our alumni recognized, once again, on Broadway’s biggest stage.”

Additionally, the 2026 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement was awarded to lighting designer Jules Fisher, a 1960 graduate of CMU, who has been a relentless innovator in theatrical lighting design for over sixty years. His impressive portfolio includes more than 100 plays and musicals, which earned him nine Tony Awards, firmly establishing him as a leader in his field. This year’s Tony Awards also celebrated Freddie Hendricks, a middle school theatre educator from Georgia, who received the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, emphasizing CMU's long-term commitment to nurturing future generations in the arts.

Farnam Jahanian, President of Carnegie Mellon University, remarked, “From performers and producers to writers, designers, and educators, our alumni continue to shape and elevate the future of theatre arts in remarkable ways. We congratulate all of this year’s exceptional nominees and winners.”

The success of these alumni at the Tony Awards not only highlights the reputation of CMU’s drama program but also reinforces the importance of arts education in shaping innovative and talented individuals in the performing arts sector.

With a diverse community driven by creativity and dedication, CMU and its alumni are sure to continue making a significant impact in the realm of theatre and beyond. For more updates on Carnegie Mellon University and the Tony Awards, visit their official website.