The Spotlight Awards are dedicated to supporting the talents, educational endeavors, and friendships of high school theatre students in Tennessee to build a strong and inclusive theatre community.
Every year Tennessee high school theatre programs can apply to participate in the three-part program comprised of recognition, exclusive learning opportunities, and community building. Events and opportunities offered throughout the year are designed to help students and directors hone their skills and advance their understanding of the craft. Schools can participate in the Adjudication Level to have a panel of arts professionals attend each school’s musical and provide feedback on the performance. Schools receive awards that honor achievements in performance, technical and creative categories, at a professionally produced Awards Ceremony held in TPAC’s Jackson Hall.
TPAC’s membership in The Broadway League, allows the two Spotlight Award Outstanding Lead Performer winners to attend The Jimmy Awards®, a national celebration of outstanding student achievement, recognizing individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performance and elevating the importance of theatre arts education in schools.
Special recognition to our Founding Sponsor, Lipscomb University’s College of Entertainment and the Arts.
Thank you to our sponsors Vanderbilt University, Piedmont Natural Gas, and Nissan North America – Official Education Partner.
The Spotlight Awards celebrates high school musical theatre by recognizing achievements in performance, technical excellence, and creativity through professional adjudication and teacher nominations. Culminating in a celebratory awards ceremony at TPAC, the program honors growth, artistry, and the transformative impact of arts education in an inclusive and supportive community setting.
All participants gain access to exclusive, year-round learning opportunities designed to enhance their skills and understanding of the craft. Through master classes, workshops with industry professionals, panel discussions, job shadowing, and professional development for teachers, students and directors are empowered to grow as artists and leaders in the performing arts.
The Spotlight Awards strengthens our community by fostering diversity, artistic excellence, creativity, collaboration, and a growth mindset among participants. Through engaging community events that blend fun with learning, we bring together students, educators, and supporters to celebrate the arts and enrich the cultural landscape of Tennessee.
Follow @SpotlightAwards on Instagram for program news, learning opportunities, and inspiring and creative posts.
