National High School Musical Theatre Awards®
About
The DPAC Rising Star Awards are a member of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®), affectionately known as the Jimmy Awards®, named for Broadway impresario James Nederlander Sr. This is a national program that unites high school musical theatre awards programs from across the country.
The Jimmy Awards® impacts over 180,000 students annually from 2,600 high schools who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by over 55 professional theatres (like DPAC) throughout the US.
Nominees selected by regional awards programs (like Rising Stars) travel to New York City to participate in the national program each June. Nominees undergo a rigorous theatre intensive that includes coaching sessions, training, and rehearsals led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals, culminating in an extraordinary one-night-only talent showcase on the Minskoff Theatre stage where Disney’s The Lion King performs year round.
The Jimmy Awards® have been the catalyst for more than $9 million in educational scholarships, and over 90 alumni have performed on Broadway and/or in National Tours since this program began in 2009.
Based on feedback provided to NHSMTA®, school administrators across the country are directing more human and financial resources to improve the quality of arts education in their districts as a result of this program. This renewed enthusiasm for the performing arts in high schools is also helping invigorate local theatres and the communities they serve.
The Jimmy Awards® and the DPAC Rising Star Awards offer incredible exposure to young theatre artists, and have the potential to catapult the careers of Broadway’s future stars.
