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The DPAC Rising Star Awards is made possible by the generous support of 
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THE DPAC RISING STAR AWARDS
The DPAC Rising Star Awards is a program designed to celebrate outstanding achievements in high school musical theater throughout Central, North Carolina. The program focuses attention on the meaningful work being done both on and off stage by dedicated teachers and students. Rising Stars is part of the National High School Musical Theatre awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, in honor of Jimmy Nederlander Sr.
In thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and community partners, this program remains free for all schools and students to participate in.
The DPAC Rising Star Awards is now accepting school registrations. The deadline to register for participation is December 1, 2024.
The DPAC Rising Star Awards will take place at DPAC on May 29, 2025. The event will feature twenty student finalists as they compete live for their chance to advance to the national level at the Jimmy Awards in New York City. In addition to these Top 20 Student Finalists, student representatives from each participating high school will perform on DPAC’s stage as Ensemble members. Throughout the course of the evening, 12 awards will be presented recognizing excellence in a broad range of categories. You can look forward to special appearances from last year’s Best Actor Conor Kruger, and Best Actress Alex Fluker who will return to perform and to help announce the two students who will go on to compete nationally. Hosted by Clay Aiken, and adjudicated live by a panel of esteemed judges, this event will not be one to miss.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE AWARDS CATEGORIES
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Dancer
The DPAC Shining Star
STUDENT PRODUCTION AWARDS CATEGORIES
Best Student Lighting Design
Best Student Choreography
Best Student Costume Design
Best Student Orchestra
SCHOOL PRODUCTION AWARDS CATEGORIES
Best Ensemble Tier 1
Best Ensemble Tier 2
Best Musical Tier 1
Best Musical Tier 2
More information can be found in The DPAC Rising Star Awards Handbook.
