Spotlight Awards
A program dedicated to honoring the educational endeavors of high school theatres in Tennessee
A group of students pose on stage after a number during the Spotlight Awards
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. This program was founded in 2013 by Lipscomb University, and is currently run by the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). From 2016-2022, the program was co-run by both institutions, and as of 2022, TPAC is the main entity running the program. Lipscomb University remains the Founding Sponsor and is excited for TPAC's future endeavors with it.
Every year Tennessee high school theatre programs can apply to participate in the three-part program comprised of achievement 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 the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's (TPAC) 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.
To learn more about the program and to register, please click TPAC's link below.