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. Eligible musicals are listed on the Jimmys website.
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, 2027, 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:
- September 1 – Deadline for Fall Musical Registration
- December 1 - Deadline for Spring Musical Registration
- January 31: Student Reporter registration deadline
- November 1– April 25 - Productions must occur during this time to be adjudicated
- April 30 – Finalists Announced
- May 20-23 – Diamond Awards Rehearsals (students may need to be excused from classes)
- May 8 – Student finalist Audition and Movement Call
- May 23 – The Diamond Awards
- June TBD – 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.
STUDENT REPORTER SEARCH - Students must register themselves for this category by January 31, 2027, by completing the registration form:
To view all Diamond Awards guidelines and eligibility, please view the School Participation Guidebook.
SCHOOL PARTICIPATION GUIDEBOOK
Interested in being a Diamond Awards Adjudicator?