Mission

The Diamond Awards aim to recognize and celebrate student achievement, and to focus the attention of the community and school districts on the importance of musical theater and arts education.

Who this Program is for

The Diamond Awards program is for high schools producing a full-length musical, that want to provide their students with additional educational opportunities and constructive feedback.

How the Program Works

Participation is FREE. There is no fee to apply or participate.

• Teachers register their high school musical for the Diamond Awards.
• Adjudicators are sent to your school’s musical.
• Students receive written feedback for their performance.
• The top placing students are invited to participate in the Diamond Awards “bootcamp” and perform during the awards show on May 23, 2026, at Walton Arts Center.
  • The Best Lead Actor or Best Lead Actress winners will advance to New York City to compete in the Broadway League Foundation’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, “The Jimmy Awards®."
    Walton Arts Center will cover the cost of this trip for the two winners. Once there, they’ll receive training from Broadway professionals and compete for The Jimmy Award for Best Lead Actor or Best Lead Actress.

Timeline:

• October 1 – Deadline to submit registration
• November 21: Student Reporter registration deadline
• November 1– April 24 - Productions must occur during this time to be adjudicated
• April 27 – Finalists Announced
• May 20-23 – Diamond Awards Rehearsals (students may need to be excused from classes)
• May 9 – Student finalist movement call and vocal audition
• May 23 – The Diamond Awards
• June 22 – The Jimmy Awards

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 or Dance
• Sparkle Award for Outstanding Educator
• Student Reporter

How to Register

SCHOOLS - Teachers may complete the Diamond Awards Registration Form for their school to participate in the Diamond Awards. Additional information will be needed from students who place as finalists and nominees for the Diamond Awards.

SCHOOL MUSICAL REGISTRATION

STUDENT REPORTER SEARCH - Students must register themselves for this category by November 21, 2025, by completing the registration form:

STUDENT REPORTER REGISTRATION

To view all Diamond Awards guidelines and eligibility, please view the School Participation Guidebook.

SCHOOL PARTICIPATION GUIDEBOOK

Interested in being a Diamond Awards adjudicator?

ADJUDICATOR INFORMATION