Tommy Tune Awards

The Tommy Tune Awards are the city’s biggest night for high school musical theatre — a high-energy celebration spotlighting the most talented student performers, designers, and directors in the region. Created and produced by Theatre Under The Stars, this electrifying ceremony honors excellence on and off the stage, with showstopping performances and unforgettable moments inspired by the legacy of Broadway legend Tommy Tune, a Houston native.

THE 2026 TOMMY TUNE AWARDS WILL BE ON
friday, may 8, 2026!

Applications are now open for participating schools and those interested in being adjudicators for the 2026 Tommy Tune Awards. Click below to apply!

about the tommy tune awards

At its core, the Tommy Tune Awards (TTA) are about more than just applause — they’re about building a thriving, connected community through musical theatre. Each year, dozens of Houston-area high schools participate in this dynamic program that uplifts excellence in performance, production, and creativity.  

Education  

Every role — whether onstage or behind the scenes — is an opportunity for growth. Theatre encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and self-confidence, nurturing lifelong learners and leaders in every student it touches.  

Artistry  

Creativity lives here. The Tommy Tune Awards provide a platform for students and educators to showcase their artistic vision, take bold risks, and reflect the spirit of storytelling through performance and design. It’s a space to shine — individually and as a team.  

Community  

We believe theatre is a shared experience. Through collaboration and celebration, the TTA brings together schools, families, and audiences to support the next generation of artists. This is about more than a single production — it’s about building a future for Houston’s cultural landscape.  

How It Works  

Each participating high school stages a full-length musical between October and March. Productions are evaluated by a panel of volunteer professional artists based in Houston. Their feedback and scores determine nominations across 15+ award categories, culminating in the highly anticipated Finalist Announcement.  

From there, selected students rehearse with TUTS’ professional team to create an unforgettable awards show — featuring musical numbers, ensemble medleys, and breathtaking moments that honor their achievements.  

Support the Next Generation of Artists  

Theatre Under The Stars proudly serves as the producing and administrative force behind the Tommy Tune Awards. From coordinating adjudication schedules to awarding scholarships and producing the mainstage event, TUTS is committed to empowering young artists through access, education, and opportunity.  

Join us in supporting arts education, student creativity, and Houston’s vibrant theatre community. This is more than a ceremony — it’s a movement.  

Theatre Under The Stars acts as the administrative body of the Tommy Tune Awards, coordinating school and adjudicating schedules, facilitating the scholarship award process, and producing the awards show.