Playhouse Square High School Musical Theater Awards Program to Launch May 2016

With the aim of inspiring performance and recognizing the importance of musical theater and arts education in Northeast Ohio high schools, Playhouse Square proudly introduces the High School Musical Theater Awards program, affiliated with the National High School Musical Theatre Awards ("The Jimmy Awards") presented by The Broadway League Foundation.

This regional program offers arts education opportunities throughout the school year and culminates with "The Dazzle Awards," an awards showcase modeled after the Tony Awards, on May 21, 2016. "Dazzlers" will be presented to outstanding musical theater productions and students in 13 categories, including Best Musical, Best Actor/Actress, Best Student Orchestra, Best Costume Design and Best Scenic Design. Nominations and awards will be based on the evaluations of an independent panel of adjudicators.

The winners of the Best Actor and Actress categories will represent Northeast Ohio at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in June 2016.

"We are thrilled to bring regional and national recognition to the incredible high school musical theater talent in Northeast Ohio," said Daniel Hahn, vice president of community engagement and education at Playhouse Square.

Public, private and charter high schools located in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and Summit Counties are invited to apply for participation in the Playhouse Square High School Musical Theater Awards. The first 20 eligible schools to apply will be accepted for the 2015-16 program. Information and applications are available online at playhousesquare.org/dazzleawards. The deadline for schools to apply is October 16, 2015.

The largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York, the not-for-profit Playhouse Square is Northeast Ohio's destination for Broadway and more great entertainment. Playhouse Square is a champion of arts education and downtown Cleveland, and proud to be the home of Cleveland Play House, Cleveland State University Department of Theatre and Dance, DANCECleveland, Great Lakes Theater and Tri-C JazzFest.