BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS SCHOOL APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE SEPT. 6

Beginning Thursday, September 6, high school educators may fill out a School Application form. Application details can be found at www.BroadwayInChicago.com/IHSMTA. Broadway In Chicago encourages all Illinois Public and Private High Schools to apply, however School Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and only the first 70 schools to apply will be accepted. The deadline to submit School Applications for the 2019 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards is Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to invite high schools across the State of Illinois to participate in the Eighth Annual Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards sponsored by NBC 5. Broadway In Chicago’s Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA) celebrate excellence in high school theatre throughout the State of Illinois.  

Eligible schools must adhere to the following: the High School must be located in the State of Illinois; musical productions must take place between September 30, 2018 and April 15, 2019 to be considered, a musical production qualifies if it is a full-length musical listed on The Jimmy® Awards (National High School Musical Theatre Awards) Qualifying Show List.

The categories include Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Production presented by Guardian Music Travel, Best Direction, Best Scenic Design presented by SPL and two new categories this year: Best Choreography and Best Ensemble. Twenty-four nominees (12 actors and 12 actresses) will receive tickets to a Broadway In Chicago show, perform on stage at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) and compete in front of Chicago casting agents and theater professionals.

From the twenty-four nominees, two Illinois award recipients (one Best Actor, one Best Actress) will go on an all-expense paid trip to New York City to represent the State of Illinois atThe Jimmy® Awards and participate in a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on Broadway, where a panel of judges crowns the nation’s top performers. The Jimmy® Awards are named for legendary Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander. Broadway In Chicago is a Nederlander presentation, and is excited to join the network of theatres across the country participating in The Jimmy® Awards.

Important Dates

School Applications Available: Thursday, September 6, 2018

School Applications Due: Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards: May 6, 2019

The Jimmy® Awards: Summer 2019 (exact date to be announced)

The 2018 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Award recipients were Darian Goulding of Hampshire High School in Hampshire, IL (Best Actor) for his portrayal of “The Beast” inBEAUTY & THE BEAST, Natalie Doppelt of Deerfield High School in Deerfield, IL (Best Actress) for her portrayal of “Sister Mary Robert” in SISTER ACT, York Community High School for their production of TUCK EVERLASTING (Best Production), Crystal Lake South High School for their production of PETER PAN (Best Scenic Design) and Rebecca Marianetti of York Community High School for their production of TUCK EVERLASTING (Best Direction).

ABOUT THE JIMMY AWARDS
The Jimmy® Awards (The National High School Musical Theatre Awards™) impacts more than 100,000 students who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of Touring Broadway productions throughout the United States.  A Best Actress and Best Actor winner from each of these competitions is sent to New York for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on Broadway, where a panel of judges crowns the nation’s top performers. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $2,000,000 in educational scholarships. 

In 2012, the program inspired preeminent broadcaster WGBH Boston to produce a 3-part documentary series called “Broadway or Bust,” which follows students on a journey from their hometown competitions to their debut on Broadway. The series remains popular viewing at www.pbs.org. For more information, please visitwww.JimmyAwards.com.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

NBC 5 CHICAGO
NBC 5 (WMAQ-TV) is the owned NBC station in Chicago. Originally WNBQ, the station’s current call letters, WMAQ-TV, were established in 1964. During NBC 5 Chicago’s rich history, the station pioneered a number of television “firsts.” On April 15, 1956, NBC 5 became the world’s first all-color TV station. In September of 1986, NBC 5 became the first Chicago commercial station to broadcast in stereo. In 1989, NBC 5 was the first Chicago station to present closed captioning of all local newscasts. Currently, NBC 5 airs over 37 hours of local news per week in HD on its core channel and the latest news, weather and streamed original content on NBCCHICAGO.COM and the NBC Chicago Mobile App.

GUARDIAN MUSIC TRAVEL          
Guardian Music Travel is a company that specializes in student group travel across the United States and abroad. This educator founded and operated company provides the finest service in the industry at the best price.  The company has thrived using its model of teachers working with the Guardian staff of educators to create custom itineraries and wonderful educational experiences.  Guardian’s theatre groups have loved the New York City packages including Broadway shows and workshops with professional and teachers. For more information, visit www.gmgtravel.com.

SOUND, PRODUCTION & LIGHTING
Sound, Production & Lighting (SPL) is a full-service event production and system installation company.  We provide production services for corporate meetings, galas and fundraising parties, marketing activations, and anything between – we’re always up for a challenge. We offer permanent installation services for a variety of venues in fields such as live performance, education, worship, and hospitality. Our goal for any project is to provide an unparalleled experience and service. https://www.splchicago.com/

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 18 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theatre District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place as well as presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

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