Popejoy Awards to Select Two High School Winners for the National High School Musical Theater Awards in NYC, 5/8

Popejoy Hall's latest initiative, the Popejoy Awards, celebrates the best of high school musical theater productions and performances throughout New Mexico. Affiliated with the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the event offers awards to state high school drama programs for Best Direction, Best Production, and Best Ensemble, as well as individual acting awards. The two individual winners for Best Actor and Actress will be sent to New York City, all expenses paid, to work with Broadway coaches and talent and compete for national awards.

Over the last several months, Popejoy Hall adjudicators have evaluated participating high school musical theater productions, scoring each for its direction, performance of the ensemble, and overall production. Schools with the best scores in each of these categories will win the Popejoy Awards for Best Direction, Best Ensemble, and Best Production.

Students performing in major roles were also evaluated and scored during their performances. The 10 actors and 10 actresses with the highest scores will be nominated for individual Awards. These students will perform at the Popejoy Awards show at Popejoy Hall on May 8 where they will again be scored, this time by a panel of judges. Their overall score is determined by a combination of their adjudicated score and points awarded by the judges at the show.

Acting award winners will be sent to New York for one week in June to participate in the National High School Musical Theater Awards, known as the Jimmy Awards, a program run by the not-for-profit Broadway League. Students train with Broadway coaches and performers before competing on the national awards show stage at the Minskoff Theater, current home of Disney's The Lion King. The two New Mexico winners will compete for the Jimmy Awards with other winners from 31 similar regional competitions from across the country.

In addition to the awards and professional training, students also compete for college scholarships, making the program an excellent opportunity for New Mexico's young performers. Popejoy Hall plans to make the Popejoy Awards an annual event.

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About Popejoy Hall
Popejoy Hall is the premier performing arts center in New Mexico. Seating up to 1985 patrons, Popejoy is the largest multi-purpose venue in the state. Following a major renovation in 1996, Popejoy hosts touring Broadway shows, symphony concerts. musical solosits and artists of international caliber, world-renowned ballet and modern dance companies, and noted speakers from a broad spectrum of disciplines.