Thomas Beeker and Madison Manning. Photo by McLeod9 Creative.

When Thomas Beeker walked across the Ellie Caulkins Opera House stage as a 2022 Bobby G Award winner, Denver audiences knew they would see him again. And just four years later, he is part of the North American tour of Les Misérables.

“Every time I think about it, I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Thomas said. “It just feels so perfect for me.”

The Bobby G High School Musical Theatre Awards celebrates outstanding achievements in high school musical theatre throughout Colorado while offering a chance at recognition on the national scale. Winners for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role travel to New York to represent Colorado at The Jimmy Awards: National High School Musical Theatre Awards. Thomas was Denver’s first finalist at the Jimmy Awards.

A Launchpad After The Jimmy Awards

Following his appearance at the Jimmy Awards, Beeker took a gap year from college to audition full-time — a leap of faith that led to his first TV credit on “Chicago P.D.”

“It was really cool. They flew me out, put me in a trailer — it was a great experience.”

Beeker then enrolled in the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, a two-year program designed to get emerging performers in front of industry professionals quickly. He connected with casting directors, signed with a new agency, and soon found himself auditioning for the Les Misérables tour.

The process was extensive — one initial audition followed by three callbacks — so when he finally got the call, he said, “It took me a long time to process it.”

For Beeker, the touring lifestyle is a thrill. “I love being in a different city every week,” he said. While life on the road can be challenging, his parents have been with him every step of the way — having already seen the show seven times.

On Stage in Les Misérables

Beeker’s ensemble track includes two featured roles: Montparnasse, a member of Thénardier’s gang, and a constable who arrests Jean Valjean early in the show. In total, he plays 14 characters and navigates 17 costume changes.

He also understudies Marius — a dream role he has now performed six times, most recently in Calgary. “There’s a lot of pressure, but I’m glad my first role was in the ensemble. There’s a camaraderie there you don’t always get as a principal.”

Why the Bobby G Awards Matter

Beeker credits the Bobby G Awards as a key foundation for his career.  To him, the program does something essential: it validates young performers. “You’re seeing the future. The energy is palpable. You feel the love between nominees, students, teachers, and families. I’m super grateful — I wouldn’t be here without the Bobby G’s.”

Beeker knows firsthand how unpredictable a performer’s path can be. “In this career, it’s not linear. The Jimmy Awards were a huge moment for me, and then it was four years before I booked my next big job. So, soak it in. Recognize where you are and let that fuel you. Keep working. Keep connecting. Stay grateful.”

Supporting the Future of Broadway

Modeled after the Tony Awards, the Bobby G award ceremony (May 15, 2026) includes performances from Outstanding Overall Production nominees and a medley featuring the nominees for Outstanding Performance by a Performer in a Leading Role. The Bobby G Awards also honor design, direction, choreography, stage management as well as special achievements. It is an electric night for any patron who loves seeing shows at the Buell. Tickets go on sale April 21.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) NewsCenter is the organization’s editorial platform for stories, announcements, interviews, and coverage of theatre and cultural programming in Colorado. We are committed to producing accurate, trustworthy, clearly sourced journalism that reflects our mission and serves our community.