What are The Illinois High School Musical Theater Awards?
The Illinois High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA) are a celebration of outstanding student achievement in musical theater. The program is designed to showcase the talent of students in the state of Illinois. IHSMTA will bring together area students for a chance to perform with each other and compete against each other. IHSMTA is a member of the National High School Musical Theater Awards (NHSMTA), a national program that unites under one roof high school musical theater programs from across the country. Two winners (one male, one female) will be selected from the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards to represent the state of Illinois in the National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City in June 2012.
The program is a one-day event that includes an audition for industry professionals and an awards ceremony. This year’s event will be held Monday, May 7, 2012, at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
What year did IHSMTA start?
The Illinois High School Musical Theater awards are a new initiative for the state of Illinois. The first program is for students who perform in their high school musicals during the 2011-2012 academic year, and the first IHSMTA Program will be held Monday, May 7, 2012.
Who founded IHSMTA?
Broadway In Chicago founded the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards. Broadway In Chicago is A Nederlander Presentation, and Nederlander Alliances, LLC is a co-founder of the National High School Musical Theater Awards.
Where is IHSMTA held?
The event takes place at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, located at 175 E. Chestnut in Chicago.
How many high school musical competitions exist throughout the US?
There are more than 30 programs in the US.
How many high schools participate in IHSMTA?
This is the first year of the program. All high schools in the state of Illinois are allowed and encouraged to nominate students.
How many students are participating in IHSMTA?
This year, 24 finalists (12 young men and 12 young women) will be invited to attend the IHSMTA in Chicago. These students will be chosen by a panel of theater professionals based on their audition tapes.
How do I apply?
Please read the rules & regulations for all instructions. The application can be downloaded here. The application and all supporting materials are due Friday, March 30, 2012 at 5:00pm.
What prizes will be given out at the Awards?
All finalists will receive tickets to a Broadway In Chicago show. The winners (one young man and one young woman) will represent the state of Illinois and receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City for the National High School Musical Theater Awards. The two winners will travel with a Broadway In Chicago chaperone for the week-long program from June 20-26, 2012.
What happens if I’m chosen as a finalist?
If you are chosen as a finalist, you will be notified on Monday, April 23. Finalists are required to participate in the IHSMTA on Monday, May 7, 2012, from 12pm-7pm. This event is both a celebration of achievement, as well as an audition to attend the National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City.
In addition to learning a group number, each finalist will audition (singing one ballad or one up-tempo, from the role from which they were nominated) in front of a panel of theatre professionals.
Finalists must provide their own clearly-marked sheet music. Sheet music should be in a 3-ring binder in page protectors. There will be an accompanist. All finalists must perform with live accompaniment – no tapes or recordings will be allowed. Singing a cappella is also not allowed.
Who is the spokesperson for IHSMTA?
All press inquiries should be directed to
Margie Korshak Inc.
Katie Smith/Amanda Meyer
ksmith@korshak.com / ameyer@korshak.com
312.751.5513/5559
All questions about the program should be directed to IHSMTA@broadwayinchicago.com.
What is the Web site address of IHSMTA?
www.broadwayinchicago.com/IHSMTA
What is the mailing address and contact information of IHSMTA?
Broadway In Chicago
Attn: IHSMTA
17 North State Street, Suite 810
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-977-1701
Email: IHSMTA@broadwayinchicago.com