Jimmy Awards: Honoring High School Musical Theatre Talent
When I was a high school student I discovered my love for musical theater. Several years later and a whole lot of training, I gained the confidence to audition for the musicals. While in college, I worked my way to portraying lead roles in college. However, there was no such thing as the Jimmy Awards. I would have jumped at the chance to audition for this amazing award! Today, my blog post is, Jimmy Awards: Celebrating High School Musical Theatre Talent.
If you’re a fan of musical theatre, you might already know about the Tony Awards. However, like me you may have never heard of the Jimmy Awards. It is officially known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA). The Jimmy Awards shine a spotlight on the best and brightest high school musical theatre talent in the United States.
Named in honor of Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, this annual event is a testament to the dedication, passion, and talent of young performers across the country. Check out this blog post if you are interested in the history of musical theater: Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled.
Honoring High School Musical Theatre Talent
Although I’d heard of Mr. Nederlander, I didn’t actually know why he was important., often referred to as Jimmy Nederlander, was a prominent American theatre owner and producer. Born on March 31, 1922, and passing away on July 25, 2016, Nederlander was a key figure in the Broadway community. Serving as the head of the Nederlander Organization, he was one of the most influential theatre operators and producers in the world. He is credited with overseeing a vast network of theatres, including nine Broadway venues. Wow!
Under his leadership, the Nederlander Organization produced numerous successful Broadway shows, including hits like Rent, Wicked, and The Lion King. His contributions to the theatre industry were immense, and he played a significant role in shaping modern Broadway.
The History of the Jimmy Awards
The Jimmy Awards were established in 2009 to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre. Students from regional theatre awards programs participate in a week-long intensive in New York City, where they receive training from industry professionals and compete for scholarships and awards. The experience culminates in a dazzling showcase at a Broadway theatre, where the top performers are selected as finalists and given the chance to perform solos and group numbers. Two main awards are given each year, Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor.
The Journey to the Jimmy Awards
To make it to the Jimmy Awards, students must first excel in their local or regional theatre competitions. These regional awards programs, known as “Theatre Awards,” exist in various cities and states across the country. Winners of these regional programs then advance to the national level—the Jimmy Awards. The program impacts over 140,000 students annually who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by over forty professional theatres throughout the US. Amazing!
The Jimmy Award nominees travel to New York City for a week in June. I’m certain that the opportunity to travel to NYC is exciting enough for the young people. The week culminates with a live show in which the winners are determined. During the week, the nominees rehearse their performances for the award show and receive coaching from industry professionals.
The Jimmy Awards Show
The show begins with an opening number (typically a “mega-mix of contemporary Broadway hits”) involving all nominees, followed by a series of “showcase medleys”, in which several nominees appear in costume in the role they performed in their high school’s musical, each in turn singing a short solo, while the remaining performers act as backup singers and dancers. These medleys have gained a cult following, with fans appreciating the crossover between disparate popular musicals.Since 2016, due to an increasing number of nominees and time limitations, only a portion of nominees have participated in showcase medleys, with the remainder instead performing in a group number.
Judging at the Jimmy Awards
During an intermission, a panel of experts selects about eight finalists. During the show’s second half, the finalists each perform a solo, and the winners are announced. All finalists also receive a $3,000 scholarship toward their future education. In addition to the main awards of Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor, other awards are given out with smaller prizes. In 2023, awards were given for Best Dancer, Rising Star, Best Performance in an Ensemble, and Spirit of the Jimmys. Additionally, each of these aforementioned awards include a $2,000 scholarship.
The week-long program is rigorous and transformative. Participants attend masterclasses, workshops, and rehearsals led by Broadway professionals. Also, they have the opportunity to meet and learn from peers who share their passion for theatre. As you would expect, they become part of a a supportive and inspiring community. If you’d like to teach your students about the Tony awards, check out: Drama Class Tony Awards Study and Game
The Impact of the Jimmys
The Jimmy Awards make a profound impact on the lives of young performers. Many past participants go on to successful careers in theatre, film, and television. Notable alumni include Eva Noblezada, who starred in Miss Saigon and Hadestown on Broadway, and Andrew Barth Feldman, playing the title role in Dear Evan Hansen.
The exposure and training provided by the Jimmys can open doors to prestigious performing arts colleges and professional opportunities. In addition to the invaluable experience, students also compete for significant scholarships, helping to ease the financial burden of pursuing a career in the arts. If you are looking for an excellent theatre program in a small college, check out my Alma Mater, Stephens College.
Why the Jimmys Matter
Perhaps this is the best reason for the Jimmy Awards. They not only recognize and reward talent but also highlight the importance of arts education in schools. With school systems making cuts to the arts almost on a daily basis, this award is hugely important. Musical theatre programs provide students with a creative outlet. Additionally, they teach valuable life skills, and foster a sense of community. The Jimmy awards celebrate the hard work of students, teachers, and schools, encouraging the continued support and development of arts programs nationwide.
How to Support the Jimmy Awards
There are several ways to support the Jimmy Awards and the young performers they celebrate. As simple as it sounds, please attend local high school musical productions. Or you can donate to arts education programs. Or help spread the word about the importance of the arts in schools. Additionally, watching the Jimmy Awards ceremony you can help raise awareness and appreciation for these talented young artists. There are plenty of theater teachers desperate for funds.
In conclusion, as you can see here, the Jimmy Awards are more than just a competition. They are a celebration of the future of musical theatre. The Jimmy awards play a crucial role in ensuring that the magic of Broadway continues to thrive for generations to come.
This year’s Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Josh Groban, star of the recent revival of Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Talk about a talent! If you are interested in teaching your students about Josh Groban, pick up this Dramamommaspeaks resource: Josh Groban Biography Lesson and One Pager Assignment.
Are you and your students familiar with The Jimmy Awards? I’d love to hear about it. Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com