Award Categories

Up to 10 high school musical theater productions and up to 2 middle school musical theater productions will be recognized in this award category. Winners will be determined by aa formal adjudication process. High schools receiving awards for Outstanding Musical Theater Production will be invited to perform up to a 5-minute number from their award-winning musical at the Showcase.

Schools will need to submit the piano/vocal scores of their top 3 song choices to potentially perform at the Showcase no later than 2 weeks after being adjudicated. Submit scores to NHSTA@O-pa.org.

Up to 10 high school musical theater ensembles and up to 2 middle school musical theater ensembles will be recognized as winners in this award category. Winners will be determined by a formal adjudication process.

Up to 20 high school students (10 actors and 10 actresses) will be recognized as winners in this award category. Winners will be determined by a formal adjudication process.

The Backstage Excellence Award honors one group of students for demonstrating teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence behind-the-scenes. Student run crews, costume crews, set construction crews, stagehands or any group of students in grades 7-12 who have dedicated time in a backstage capacity are eligible. Teachers are responsible for nominating students for the Backstage Excellence Award. 

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The award for Outstanding Achievement in Stage Management honors students who demonstrate professionalism, leadership and commitment to excellence in stage management. Student stage managers or assistant stage managers in grades 7-12 are eligible to apply.

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The award for Outstanding Achievement in Design honors students in grades 7-12 who demonstrate artistry, skill and a commitment to excellence in costume, hair/makeup. props, scenic, sound or lighting design. Winners will be determined through an application process. Students in grades 7-12 may submit multiple applications in different design categories (e.g. one application for a costume design and another application for a scenic design). Each application should focus on one design project or concept.

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The Outstanding Educator Award honors teachers for their outstanding achievements in performing arts education. The awards will recognize middle school and high school educators who embody the highest standards in performing arts education and demonstrate a positive impact on the lives of students. Current or past students, fellow educators, school administrators, parents, or community members may nominate teachers for this award. 

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The senior of the Year Award honors one senior for their outstanding achievements in performing arts throughout high school.  The award will recognize a student who embodies the highest standards of leadership within their school and demonstrates a positive impact on the lives of their fellow peers and teachers.  Educators, fellow students, school administrators, parents or community members may nominate students for this award. 

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Each year, the Nebraska High School Theater Academy nominates 2 high school students (1 actor and 1 actress) to compete with other top musical theatre students from across the nation at the 2022 National High School Musical Theatre Awards in NYC. Students are selected through an online application and audition process. Up to 14 students (7 actors and 7 actresses) will be selected as National Finalists – this group of top students will be invited to perform a solo from their lead role in a special medley at the NHSTA Showcase. The 2 national nominees will be announced live onstage at the showcase. 

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Each year, the Jimmy Awards invites select Student Reporters from participating Regional Awards Programs to cover Jimmy Awards events through social media on both the official Jimmy Awards channels and the student’s personal channels. The Student Reporter opportunity has been added to the program as an effort to include students who are not eligible to be nominated as performers. This provides a chance to expand connections into local schools’ journalism, film, and other related departments. Student Reporters work directly with the Jimmy Awards Digital team which allows them to receive an insider look at the digital marketing strategy of Jimmy Awards coverage while gaining insight into the field as a whole. 

Selected Student Reporters will also cover the Nebraska High School Theater Academy Showcase week and events through social media.