Word has it that John Clutts is thrilled. The reason? He’s just been named to chair the 5th Annual Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards on Thursday, April 16, at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
According to Dallas Summer Musical President/Managing Director Michael Jenkins, “John’s experience in the community as a dedicated leader and volunteer, along with his business acumen and insight, is the perfect combination for this role as chair of the 5th Annual High School Musical Awards.”
The evening will include Red Carpet arrivals, a VIP reception and the show beginning at 7 p.m.
And what will the show be? It will be performances featuring the nominees for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Musical complete with musicians supporting them on stage.
But the highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the winners and scholarship recipients.
So, exactly how are the winners picked? It’s a lengthy process supervised by Program Manager Tracy Jordan.
First of all, a panel of three judges visit each participating North Texas high school and judge productions in the following 16 categories: Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Musical Direction, Best Choreography, Best Orchestra, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting, Best Ensemble, Best Crew, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Featured Actor and Best Featured Actress.
The judges’ “ballots are tabulated by the accounting firm of Grant Thornton and the top scoring high schools in each category are nominated as finalists” in all categories except Best Actor and Best Actress.
The nominees in those two categories will “perform the evening before the Awards show for the assembled Dallas Summer Musicals judges and will be scored at that time. The winners will be revealed the next night at the Awards show at the Musical Hall.”
While scholarships will be $1,000 and more, the Best Actor and Best Actress winner will “receive an all-expense paid trip for five days to New York City to represent their high school in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy™ Awards) for the chance to win prizes and scholarship, which vary by year.”
Thanks to Founding Donors Leah and Jerry Fullinwider, “DSM’s program is the only official awards program in North Texas recognized by the National High school Musical Theatre Awards.”
According to John, ““I am honored to chair this program and be a part of its continued development and success,” John replied. “The reach of this program across North Texas is growing and we look forward to even more schools participating next year.”
For ages, North Texas has been known for having a lovefest with Broadway thanks to people like Mary Martin, Sandy Duncan, Roger Horchow, Cappy McGarr and the list goes on. Who knows? One of these young performers may be taking that first step to a “tony” future.
Now, you know why John is thrilled.
* Photo credit: Chris Waits