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

Emma Cate Davis
George Eastman

2023

Samantha Nelson
(Won Best Performance in an Ensemble at the Jimmy Awards)
Jaxon Allison

2022

Samantha Nelson
Jackson Chase
(Won Best Performance in an Ensemble at the Jimmy Awards)

2021

Shina Mitchell
Miguel Gil

2019

Hannah Restuccia
Thomas Dyer

2018

Kristen Brock
John Zamborski
(Won Best Dancer at the Jimmy Awards)

2017

Sofia Deler (Jimmy Awards Winner)
Tony Moreno (Jimmy Awards Winner)

2016

Emma Heistand
Tony Moreno


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

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