Adjudicators are the heart of the program’s integrity. Their role is to evaluate each school against its own potential, ensuring fairness across varying resources and programs.
Who are the Adjudicators?
Our judges are the real deal: Tony-recognized producers, Broadway and touring artists, university faculty, award-winning directors/choreographers, veteran high-school educators, opera and ballet professionals, designers, arts administrators, and Austin theatre leaders. They bring industry-level standards and a love for student theatre to every score.
Judge Accolades:
Broadway & West End pedigree: Tony/Grammy/Olivier–recognized producing and performance credits (e.g., Once on This Island, Hadestown, Aladdin).
University & master teachers: Faculty and program heads mentoring the next generation (Texas State MT, UT-Austin Theatre and Dance, St. Edward’s University).
Award-winning creatives: Directors, choreographers, music directors with national tours, opera houses, and critics’ honors.
Veteran educators: Decades of UIL and mainstage experience, state-finalist shows, and HAYA Best Production winners.
Multidisciplinary pros: Working actors, designers, stage managers, composers, marketers, and arts administrators.
Global reach: Credits across the U.S., Europe, and Asia; SXSW/CMJ and major festival appearances..
Expectations:
Timeline:
Scoring:
Award Categories Adjudicated at Performances:
Best Lead Performer | Female Category
Best Lead Performer | Male Category
Best Supporting Performer | Female Category
Best Supporting Performer | Male Category
Best Featured Performer | Role
Best Featured Performer | Ensemble
Best Choreography
Best Costume Design
Best Direction
Best Ensemble
Best Lighting Design
Best Musical Direction
Best Orchestra
Best Production
Best Scenic Design
Best Technical Execution
Resources: