COMMUNITY SERIES AT DR. PHILLIPS CENTER, SUPPORTED BY
OUC: THE RELIABLE ONE

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50 productions. 39 high schools. One incredible night.

The Applause Awards is a celebration of excellence in high school musical theater. A panel of 20 casting agents, show directors and industry professionals selected nearly 400 students from 38 high schools across ten counties to participate in this high-energy evening – featuring live performances by the winning casts in the Outstanding Musical category, character medleys by the winning Outstanding Lead Performers and much more!

Modeled after the Tony Awards®, the 11th annual Applause Awards Ceremony will be directed by Broadway veteran Ray Roderick and hosted by Broadway star and Central Florida native Michael James Scott, alongside former Applause Awards winners.

Thousands of dollars in scholarships will be given to college-bound seniors. Plus, 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 represent Orlando while competing among the next generation of Broadway stars in New York City this summer.

The Applause Awards’ Impact

The arts center has awarded more than $251,000 in scholarships through Applause Awards to date. Four previous winners and finalists have even gone on to make their Broadway or Hollywood debut:

Tony Moreno – Book of Mormon, Broadway

Applause Awards & Jimmy Award Winner, Best Actor (2017)

Sofia Deler – The Prom, Netflix Premiere

Applause Awards & Jimmy Award Winner, Best Actress (2017)

Stereophonic, Broadway (2024)

John Zamborsky –Jesus Christ Superstar, National Tour (2024); CATS, North American Tour (2023)

Applause Awards Winner, Best Actor (2018)

Jimmy Award Winner, Outstanding Dancer (2018)

Miguel Gil – Kimberly Akimbo, Broadway - National Tour (Seth)

Applause Awards Winner, Best Actor (2021)

Over the years, the event has also drawn the talents of world-renowned directors and hosts – including Shoshanna Bean, LaChanze, Michael James Scott and Rachel York.

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You Can Play a Part, Too – Help Sustain the Applause Awards

Make a donation to the Dr. Phillips Center’s Applause Awards initiatives, and you’ll help ensure access to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students across the region. Recognizing everyone from set and costume designers to lead actors and actresses, the Applause Awards advocates for the importance of the arts by creating access for students and schools in our community.

Through the Applause Awards students 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.

Get in touch with a gift officer today to find out how your contribution can make an impact on this incredible program: Development@drphillipscenter.org.

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Prices, shows, artists, dates and times are subject to change at any time without notice. The views and opinions expressed within this show are those of the artist(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Dr. Phillips Center.