• The Diamond Awards

    High School Musical Theatre Regional Awards Program 2026-2027

  • Participation is FREE!

    There is no cost to the schools, teachers, or students who participate in the Diamond Awards program. There is also no cost to the students who advance to The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (AKA The Jimmys).

  • Diamond Award Categories

    • Best Lead Actor 
    • Best Lead Actress 
    • Best Supporting Performers
    • Best Ensemble Performance
    • Spirit of the Diamonds
    • Outstanding Performance Recognition in Vocals, Acting, and/or Dance
    • Sparkle Award for Outstanding Educator
    • Student Reporter (eligible for the Jimmy Awards student reporter- separate registration required by the student)

    All awards will be given during the Diamond Awards show, May 23, 2027.

    Elligibility:

    The Diamond Awards is open to all high schools producing a qualifying musical in Arkansas, as defined by the National High School Musical Theatre Awards. The full list of qualifying shows and roles can be found on The Jimmy Awards website. It is recommended that high schools be within a 2.5 hour driving distance from Walton Arts Center. Each high school may only participate in one Regional Awards Program. 

    View full Diamond Award program details on https://waltonartscenter.org/edu/diamond-awards/ 

     

    IMPORTANT DATES:

    • September 1 – Deadline for Fall Musical Registration
    • December 1 - Deadline for Spring Musical Registration 
      • We will consider additional musicals on a case by case basis
    • November 1 – April 25: School Productions must occur during this time to be adjudicated
    • April 30: Finalists are announced
    • May 8: Movement & Panel Audition for top placing Lead Students
    • May 20-22, 2027: Rehearsals for Diamond Awards show
    • May 23, 2027: Diamond Awards show
    • June TBD: The Jimmy Awards

  • Teacher/Director Information- This is the primary contact person

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Performance Information

  • Photo/Video Release

  • Teacher/Director Responsibilities: I agree to the following...

  • Rules and Guidelines

    • The Diamond Awards is open to all high schools producing a qualifying musical in Arkansas, as defined by the National High School Musical Theatre Awards.
    • It is recommended, but not required, that high schools be within a 2.5 hour driving distance from Walton Arts Center.
    • Each high school may only participate in one Regional Awards Program.
    • Each high school may only submit one application for one production per school year.
    • Use of vocal tracks or “sweetener tracks” during the submitted musical is not permitted, as it does not allow for accurate or fair adjudication. Only instrumental tracks/recordings may be used in performances.
    • Per the NHSMTA program, students are adjudicated in the category corresponding to their gender identification, not the gender of the role that they played. Students identifying as non-binary or gender-fluid may choose to either select the category in which they wish to be adjudicated (regardless of the gender of the role) OR they may be adjudicated based on the gender of the role they played. All casting or script change requests for performances in the NHSMTA program must be approved beforehand.
    • ALL student finalists and nominees must fall into one of these categories:
      • They must be enrolled at the participating high school presenting the musical.
      • They are cast in a show at a single-gender school who engages students of different genders to fulfill casting requirements.
      • They are a homeschooled student cast in a participating school’s show.


    • Best Actor & Best Actress Finalists:
      • To be eligible for Best Actor and Best Actress at the Diamond Awards and compete at the NHSMTA, students must perform a role considered a qualifying role in an approved musical by the NHSMTA.
      • The full list and guidelines can be found on the National Awards website.
      • Finalists must be a current high school student, grades 9 through 12.
      • A finalist may participate in one (1) Regional Awards Program only.
      • All students performing qualifying roles in an approved musical may be adjudicated. Teachers will not be asked to nominate individual students for awards. Best Actor and Best Actress finalists will be chosen by the adjudicators that attend the performances
    •  Best Supporting Performers and Ensemble Performers must be enrolled at the participating high school, presenting the musical to be elligible for awards. These regional awards are chosen at the discretion of the adjudicators.

     

     

  • Submitting this form signifies your agreement to participate in the Diamond Awards program.

    A Walton Arts Center staff member will email details regarding your school's participation. Responsive and active communication is essential to this process.

    • All submissions are subject to consideration by the Diamond Awards. 
    • Additional information will be requested for students to be adjudicated. 
    • There will be 1 live, virtual info session held for Teachers/Directors on September 1, 5pm. The recording will be sent to those who are not able to attend.
    • If you have questions, please email diamondawards@waltonartscenter.org

     

     

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