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 2026 alone, more than 6,000 students from 65 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
- 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 (2026–27 Season)
- Saturday, September 12, 2026: Tommy Tune Awards School Director’s Meeting
- Sunday, September 13, 2026: Official Tommy Tune Awards School Announcement
- Monday, February 1, 2027: Tommy Tune Award Student Reporter Application Opens
- Thursday, February 25, 2027: Tommy Tune Award Ceremony – Director’s Orientation
- Monday, March 1, 2027: Tommy Tune Award Scholarship Applications Open
- Sunday, March 7, 2027: Tommy Tune Award Adjudication Closes
- Sunday, March 21, 2027: Tommy Tune Award Student Reporter Application Closes
- Friday, March 26, 2027: Tommy Tune Award Finalist Announced
- Friday, March 26, 2027: Tommy Tune Award Scholarship Applications Due
- TBD: Jimmy Award Student Reporter Application Due
- Tuesday, April 20, 2027: Tommy Tune Rehearsals & TTA Tech Week
- Friday, May 14, 2027: Tommy Tune Ceremony at 7pm
Get Involved
Schools
Adjudicators
Tommy Tune Awards Tickets
Scholarships
Scholarship application information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection to the Jimmy Awards?
How many schools participate?
What awards are given?
Where is the ceremony held?
Who can attend the ceremony?
Where can I find school/adjudicator guidelines?
Downloadable packets are available on the Participating Schools and Volunteer Adjudicators pages.