A panel of 20 casting agents, show directors and industry professionals selected nearly 400 students from 46 high schools across eleven counties to participate in this high-energy evening—featuring live performances by the winning casts in the Outstanding Musical category, character medleys by the winning Outstanding Lead Performers and much more!

Modeled after the Tony Awards®, the Applause Awards Ceremony will be directed by Broadway's Richard J. Hinds and hosted by Broadway performer and Central Florida native Michael James Scott. Thousands of dollars in scholarships will be given to college-bound seniors. Two overall winners will advance to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, known as The Jimmy Awards®, for an opportunity of a lifetime to represent Orlando while competing among the next generation of Broadway stars in New York City this summer.