Education and Community
Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards
Important Dates for the 2025-2026 Orpheum High School Musical Awards Program
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Oct. 6, 2025
Applications due for Fall shows.
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Dec. 5, 2025
Applications due for Spring shows.
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Mar. 30, 2026
Applications due for non-adjudicated schools.
Supporting and Celebrating High School Musical Theatre in the Mid-South
The Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards provides access to arts education, creates opportunities for self expression, encourages collaboration, enhances excellence, builds community, and instills a lifelong passion for the arts. As part of The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (known as the Jimmy Awards®), this program connects with 55 regional competitions across the country.
How It Works
Judges attend school performances throughout the academic year to evaluate and nominate students for various awards. Nominees are honored at the annual Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards celebration. The Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Lead Actress award recipients are invited by The Broadway League Foundation to attend a week-long theatre intensive in New York City, culminating in a spectacular showcase on Broadway.
How to Participate
Schools must be within a 150-mile radius of The Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN in order to participate. Participation is free of charge, as we are committed to making our programs as accessible as possible. Schools can apply to participate as adjudicated or non-adjudicated. Shows must be performed between October 1, 2025 and April 5, 2026 of the current academic year to be eligible.
Produce and submit a musical that is eligible for adjudication and awards recognition and send up to two students to participate in the opening and closing numbers.
- Intent to Apply: Any school wishing to submit a musical for adjudication should complete the Intent to Apply form BEFORE submitting an official application. The Intent to Apply form can be found here. If your school would like to participate but has missed the application deadline, please reach out to Lena Wallace Black for more information.
- Deadline to Apply: Applications for Fall shows are due by Monday, October 6, 2025 and applications for Spring shows are due by Friday, December 5th, 2025.
- Rules and Guidelines: Please click here for the official rules and guidelines for Adjudicated Schools which contains the link to apply. PLEASE THOROUGHLY READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE APPLYING.
Send up to two students to participate in the opening and closing numbers. Applications for non-adjudicated schools are due by Monday, March 30th, 2026.
- Please click here for the official rules and guidelines for Non-Adjudicated Schools and for the link to apply.
Resources and Information
How to Support
Light the Way for the Stars of Tomorrow
Make a donation to the Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards year-round, and look for special sponsorship and advertising opportunities for the celebration each spring.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
For More Information or Assistance
LENA WALLACE BLACK
Education and Engagement Manager
901-529-4247
lblack@orpheum-memphis.com