Celebrating Excellence in High School Musical Theatre Across Greater Houston
Each year, Theatre Under The Stars honors the outstanding achievements of high school musical theatre students through the Tommy Tune Awards. In 2025 alone, more than 6,000 students from 72 schools participated — culminating in a dazzling ceremony at the Hobby Center where more than 600 students performed live on stage.
The Tommy Tune Awards recognize excellence both onstage and behind the scenes, inspiring students to pursue their artistic dreams, providing professional-level feedback, and strengthening Houston’s cultural community.
As the official regional program of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (The Jimmy Awards®), the Tommy Tune Awards send two Outstanding Performer winners to New York City each summer. These students train with Broadway professionals, participate in intensive rehearsals and workshops, and represent Houston in a national showcase.
How the Program Works
- Participating Schools: High schools across Greater Houston apply to participate, producing a qualifying musical during the adjudication window.
- Volunteer Adjudicators: Theatre professionals and educators attend productions and evaluate them using a detailed rubric.
- Awards Ceremony: Finalists and winners are announced in the spring, culminating in a live awards show featuring student performances at the Hobby Center.
Benefits for Students
By honoring excellence in high school theatre, the Tommy Tune Awards:
- Inspire students to pursue their artistic dreams.
- Enrich the arts through professional feedback and recognition.
- Strengthen Houston’s cultural community by connecting schools, students, and theatre lovers.
Important Dates (2025–26 Season)
- School Interest Form Open: August 13 – September 29
- Adjudication Period: October 11 – March 1
- Finalists Announced: March 20
- Tommy Tune Awards Ceremony at the Hobby Center: May 8
Get Involved
Schools
Apply to participate in this year’s program.
Adjudicators
Volunteer your expertise and support Houston’s young performers.
Tommy Tune Awards Tickets
Get your seat for Houston’s biggest night in high school musical theatre!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection to the Jimmy Awards?
The Tommy Tune Awards are Houston’s official regional program of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (The Jimmy Awards®). Two Outstanding Performer winners are sent each summer to represent Houston in the national showcase in New York City.
How many schools participate?
Each year, more than 70 schools from across the Greater Houston area participate.
What awards are given?
Awards recognize both performance and technical achievements — including acting, direction, choreography, orchestra, crew, design, and overall production.
Where is the ceremony held?
At the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
Who can attend the ceremony?
Tickets are available to the public; details are shared each spring.
Where can I find school/adjudicator guidelines?
Downloadable packets are available on the Participating Schools and Volunteer Adjudicators pages.
