Dr. Phillips Center Reveals 11th Annual Applause Awards Winners
Nearly 400 student winners to participate in the 2025 Applause Awards on May 31, 2025
Orlando, Fla. – Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announced today its 11th Annual Applause Award winners. A panel of 20 statewide casting agents, show producers and industry professionals have selected winners consisting of 400 students from 39 high schools, spanning 10 counties to participate in the 11th Annual Applause Awards inside Walt Disney Theater on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Reminiscent of the Tony Awards®, this annual event celebrates the very best talent in our regional high school theaters, including teachers and students. During the event, winners will perform in various categories and be recognized for excellence in singing, acting, dancing and supporting and lead performer roles.
"We’re so proud to produce the Applause Awards each year and bring the region’s top student performers together on our Walt Disney Theater stage in Orlando,” says Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “It’s more than a show — it’s a celebration of talent, a chance to earn scholarships and a big step toward turning dreams into reality on and off the stage.”
Eight schools will be honored for Outstanding Musical, and two lead performers will be selected as the Applause Awards winners and Jimmy Award nominees to represent our community in New York City. Additionally, the Applause Awards offers all participating college-bound students a chance to earn a scholarship. To date, the arts center has awarded more than $251,500 in scholarships through the Applause Awards program.
The 2025 Applause Awards will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and will be hosted by Dr. Phillips High School grad and Broadway star, Michael James Scott inside Walt Disney Theater.
This event is made possible through the support of AdventHealth, American Momentum Bank, Chesley G. Magruder Foundation, Chick-fil-A Greater Orlando Area, Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation, Experience Kissimmee, Florida Theatrical Association, Isermann Family Foundation, Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, OUC – The Reliable One, PepsiCo, Publix Super Market Charities and Savannah College of Art and Design.
In-kind production support provided by Adrenaline Films.
A list of all winning schools can be viewed here.
Tickets are currently on sale, starting at $25 and can be purchased here.
For more information visit drphillipscenter.org.