Proctors, Times Union join for inaugural High School Musical Theatre Awards

The School of Performing Arts at Proctors and The Times Union today announced, in association with the Broadway League, a partnership to present the inaugural High School Musical Theatre Awards for the Capital Region, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20.

Fashioned after Broadway’s Tony Awards®, the ceremony, to be held at Proctors, 432 State Street, Schenectady, will celebrate the achievements of the area’s theatre students, highlighting the importance of arts education.

“The Capital Region has a vibrant artistic community—visual arts, music, dance, theater, writing and more,” said Times Union Editor Rex Smith, “which can thrive and grow only if we encourage the next generation of artists. The Times Union views part of its mission as one of education, so we’re delighted to partner with Proctors in this ambitious program. We’re going to spotlight some great young stars in the making, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmys, in honor of legendary theatre owner and producer James M. Nederlander, were established in 2009 to elevate the importance of theatre arts education in schools and to reward excellence in student performance. The program impacts over 50,000 students annually, who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by thirty professional theatres across the United States.

“I’m ecstatic about this,” said Proctors CEO Philip Morris, following a Facebook Live launch earlier today. “We have such talent in our community and now that talent will be recognized nationwide. We’ll be sending our two best students to New York!”

The winners of the Best Actor and Best Actress awards will go on to represent Proctors and New York’s Capital Region at the NHSMTA ceremony, at Manhattan’s Minskoff Theatre, Monday, June 26. Winners will garner an all-expenses-paid trip to New York, where they will receive professional instruction and compete with students from other regional programs for the title of Best National High School Actor and Actress.

School applications will be accepted by Proctors Friday, Sept. 23 through Friday, Oct. 21 only. The first 15 eligible schools that meet all criteria and submit a completed application will be guaranteed participation. A panel of judges will review productions at registered schools, nominating participants in 10 categories, including Best Ensemble, Best Student Orchestra, Best Supporting Actor and Actress.

Those interested in adjudicating the program must register by Friday, Oct. 28.

All information regarding rules, regulations, registration and award categories can be found at proctors.org/hs.