Applause Awards Program
Celebrate Florida’s most talented high school musical students.
About the Program
Recognizing everyone from set and costume designers to lead actors and actresses, the Applause Awards is a true celebration of all things musical theater. Honoring excellence in high school productions is just the beginning. This program also advocates for the importance of the arts by creating access for students and schools in our community.
Through the Applause Awards, they receive valuable feedback and enjoy amazing learning opportunities—like master classes led by touring Broadway artists and performance training workshops—giving them a space to work with their peers and sharpen their skills.
How the Program works
August through April, industry experts review 50 registered productions from 39 high schools in 10 Florida counties. Their detailed reviews are then used to determine awards in specific categories and Dr. Phillips Center hosts a ceremony in June on the Walt Disney Theater stage.
But it gets even better. Many participants are awarded college scholarships. And every year, one lead actor and one lead actress from the Applause Awards go on to participate in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards™ (NHSMTA)—also known as The Jimmy Awards®—in New York City.
2025 Applause Awards
A panel of 20 statewide casting agents, show producers, and industry professionals have winners consisting of 400 students from 39 high schools and 10 counties to participate in this high-energy evening—featuring live performances of winners in the Outstanding Musical category and culminating in the announcement of who will represent the Dr. Phillips Center in New York City at the Jimmy Awards.
Modeled after the Tony Awards®, the Applause Awards will be directed by Broadway veteran Ray Roderick and hosted by award winning Broadway performer and Central Florida local, Michael James Scott. Thousands of dollars in scholarships will be given to college-bound seniors. Two overall winners will advance to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, known as The Jimmy Awards®, for an opportunity of a lifetime to compete among the next generation of Broadway stars in New York City.
Meet Our Jimmy Nominee Winners
2024
2023
(Won Best Performance in an Ensemble at the Jimmy Awards)2022
(Won Best Performance in an Ensemble at the Jimmy Awards)2021
2019
2018
(Won Best Dancer at the Jimmy Awards) 2017
2016
2024-2025 Applause Awards Participating Schools
Bishop Moore Catholic School
Boone High School
Celebration High School
Circle Christian School
Colonial High School
Cornerstone Charter Academy
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
Dr. Phillips High School
East Ridge High School
East River High School
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Freedom High School
Hagerty High School
Horizon High School
Indian River Charter School
Lake Brantley High School
Lake Buena Vista High School
Lake Highland Preparatory School
Lake Howell High School
Lake Minneola High School
Lake Nona High School
Montverde Academy
One School of the Arts
Orangewood Christian School
Osceola County School for the Arts
PK Yonge School
Spruce Creek High School
St. Augustine High School
St. Cloud High School
The First Academy
The Providence School
Tocoi Creek High School
Tohopekaliga High School
Trinity Preparatory School
University High School
Viera High School
Windermere High School
Windermere Preparatory School
Winter Park High School
ADJUDICATORS INTEREST FORM
Interested in becoming an adjudicator for the Applause Awards? Click the button below to fill out the interest form today.
SIGN UPRegistration Forms
PAST WINNERS
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
