The DPAC Rising Star Awards
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Central North Carolina’s High School Musical Theatre Awards
The DPAC Rising Star Awards is part of The National High School Musical Theatre Awards, aka The Jimmy Awards®, and provides life changing experiences that launch the careers for Broadway’s future stars. Affectionately referred to as “The Superbowl for High School Musical Theater”, the evening will feature the best-of-the-best of area high school musical theater talent as students compete live for their chance to advance to The Jimmy Awards® in New York City. Hosted by Clay Aiken and adjudicated live by a panel of esteemed judges, this event is a must-see.
The DPAC Rising Star Awards celebrates 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. On May 9th, DPAC will celebrate many achievements made by over 30 area high schools and their students, recognizing excellence in over 10 awards categories highlighting both the performance and technical aspects of theater.
You can also look forward to special appearances from last year’s Best Actress, Lilly Pritchard, and Best Actor, Noah Colvin, who will return to DPAC’s stage to perform and to support this year’s group of talented finalists.
NEW THIS YEAR! The DPAC Rising Star Awards has partnered with Durham Art Guild to celebrate achievements made by high school visual art students. Over twenty students from participating high schools were selected to have their work featured in a pop-up gallery in DPAC's lobby at The DPAC Rising Star Awards on May 9, 2024.
Learn More: https://www.durhamartguild.org/dpac
Accessible Seating & Accessible Services
DPAC offers a variety of Accessible Seating & Accessible Services to make our performances and facilities accessible to all.
- Accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating options including a variety of wheelchair accessible locations and companion seating.
- ADA compliant ramp access and elevators to all lobbies and seating areas.
- Courtesy shuttles from nearby parking areas, curb-to-seat wheelchair assistance and listening devices at every event.
- Plus, audio description, captioning, and sign language interpretation upon request.
Accessible Services - We’re here to help!
- For additional information, questions or more specific details on accessibility or any accommodation or service listed below, please contact us via e-mail at AccessibleServices@DPACnc.com.
Accessible Seats - Ticket Purchases
- To purchase Accessible Seats, please visit the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Ticket Center
For additional information, questions or details on an accommodation or service not listed below, please contact us via e-mail at AccessibleServices@DPACnc.com.
Age Requirement
All guests are welcome at this DPAC event, but all guests require a ticket, regardless of age. Children must be able to sit quietly in their own seat without disturbing other guests.
Cashless Payments for Snacks and Beverages at DPAC
- Cash is no longer accepted for snack or beverage purchases at DPAC’s lobby bars or snack and beverage stands.
- Snack and beverage purchases now require payment using credit or debit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay or a DPAC gift card.
- If you happen to arrive at DPAC with cash only, guests may purchase a DPAC gift card in $20 increments at our Entry Lobby Guest Services window. These gift cards can then be used at any lobby bar or snack and beverage stand.
Content Advisory
DPAC offers a diverse selection of entertainment. Not all productions will appeal to or be appropriate for every guest or for all ages. Ticket buyers should take responsibility for making informed decisions regarding their purchases. We recommend visiting the official website of each show to learn more about the show you are coming to see at DPAC. If you ever have questions about the content or appropriateness of a show, please contact us at GuestServices@dpacnc.com.
Doors Open
Our lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to show time.
Event Schedule
6:30 PM - Lobby Doors
7:30 PM - Performance Begins
* Please note all times are approximate and subject to change without notice.
Inclement Weather
All performances scheduled at DPAC normally take place as planned. For more information on our inclement weather policy, please visit INCLEMENT WEATHER FAQ.
Photography / Video Recording
- Photography and video recording using mobile phones is strictly prohibited.
- Mobile phones must be turned off before the start of the event.
- GoPro’s, tablets, and cameras of any kind are prohibited at all DPAC events.
Safety First - Bag Check
- For your safety, all guests and their bags are subject to inspection before entry.
- This inspection may include the use of metal detectors.
- Restricted items include, but are not limited to: Alcohol, Cameras, Glass Bottles, and Weapons of any kind.
- In addition, no large bags are allowed including backpacks and large purses 12 or more inches deep.
- Small clutch purses are STRONGLY recommended.
- For family shows that allow very young children, diapers bags are allowed for guests with infants and toddlers (child must be present).
- Safety first is our goal. Please let us know if you have any questions or feedback at guestservices@DPACnc.com
Student Stage Management
The DPAC Rising Star Awards will be selecting a small number of students to serve as Stage Managers for the live awards ceremony.
Tickets
- Most tickets buyers purchase right from our website using the Buy Tickets button on this page.
- In addition to purchasing online, DPAC offers several other ways to purchase the seats you want to the best Broadway, concerts, comedy, family shows and special events in North Carolina.
- Our computerized ticket system enables you equal access to great DPAC seats whether you buy online, by phone, or in person at DPAC.
- For more details, visit our Purchase Seats page for complete information on purchasing great seats for all events at DPAC.
- All tickets for DPAC events are fully digital and only accessible via your mobile device. A mobile ticket is the safest, most convenient, and flexible way to receive and manage your tickets while increasing protection against fraud. To learn more about mobile entry, please visit our Mobile Entry FAQ.
Visual Arts in partnership with Durham Art Guild
NEW THIS YEAR! The DPAC Rising Star Awards has partnered with Durham Art Guild to celebrate achievements made by high school visual art students. Over twenty students from participating high schools were selected to have their work featured in a pop-up gallery in DPAC's lobby at The DPAC Rising Star Awards on May 9, 2024.
Learn More: https://www.durhamartguild.org/dpac