2025 Applause Awards Ceremony

50 productions. 38 high schools. One incredible night.

The Applause Awards is a celebration of excellence in high school musical theater. A panel of 20 casting agents, show directors and industry professionals selected nearly 400 students from 38 high schools across ten counties to participate in this high-energy evening – featuring live performances by the winning casts in the Outstanding Musical category, character medleys by the winning Outstanding Lead Performers and much more!

Modeled after the Tony Awards®, the 11th annual Applause Awards Ceremony will be directed by Broadway veteran Ray Roderick and hosted by Broadway star and Central Florida native Michael James Scott, alongside former Applause Awards winners.

Thousands of dollars in scholarships will be given to college-bound seniors. Plus, two overall winners will advance to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, known as The Jimmy Awards®, for an opportunity of a lifetime to represent Orlando while competing among the next generation of Broadway stars in New York City this summer.

You may also like the following events from Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts:

• This month, 8th May, 07:30 pm, Disney's The Lion King in Orlando
• This Wednesday, 14th May, 07:00 pm, Judson's Live - BK Jackson in Orlando
• This Thursday, 15th May, 07:00 pm, Judson's Live - Life on Mars in Orlando

Also check out other Performances in Orlando, Arts events in Orlando.