School Medley

Every year, Spotlight schools that participated in the Production Assessment process AND that receive an Achievement in Musical Theatre Honor are invited to perform a medley from their musical production at the Spotlight Showcase. Medley requirements and scheduling information will be communicated with a school’s primary contacted if they become eligible following their receipt of their educational feedback and honors.

Note: In order to be eligible to participate in a School Medley at Spotlight Showcase, a school must participate in the Production Assessment process.

Inter-School Numbers

One opportunity for students to be involved in Spotlight Showcase  is to participate in Inter-School numbers. The following numbers are included in Spotlight Showcase:

• Outstanding: Students who received an “Outstanding” honor are eligible to participate in this number.
• Honorable Mention: Students who received an “Honorable Mention” honor are eligible to participate in this number.
• Seniors: Any senior who participated in the Production Assessment process is eligible to participate in this number.
• Featured Dancer: 1-2 students who are nominated by the director and can attend all necessary rehearsals are eligible to participate in this number.
• Finale: Triple Threat Finalists and Semi-Finalists are eligible to participate in this number. (Note: There are some circumstances where other students may participate. If this is the case in any given year, the Spotlight Showcase Staff will communicate that to those students as applicable.)
• Triple Threat Medley: Students who are chosen to be Triple Threat Finalists after completing the Triple Threat audition process are eligible to participate in the(se) number(s).

More information and sign-ups will be available in Spring 2020.

Technical Students

Any technical student who participated in the Production Assessment process have the opportunity to assist with various technical aspects throughout Showcase Rehearsal Week and the show itself. Some areas of engagement are:

• Load-In: Technical students can assist the State Theatre Union Crew with the load-in of the Spotlight Showcase. Students help hang lights, run cables, set up screens, program boards, etc.
• Stage Management: Students will have the opportunity to shadow our stage managers during Showcase Rehearsal Week to learn more about company management and stage management.

Sign-ups and more information will be available in Spring 2020.

Student Musicians

Student Musicians that participated in the Production Assessment process can participate in the Orchestra number during the Spotlight Showcase. Students must attend a rehearsal prior to Showcase Rehearsal Week in order to receive and learn the music. These rehearsals will be held and Spotlight Schools around the Twin Cities Metro, and will be communicated to schools and students. Students must be able to play in both Showcases in order to be a Student Musician.

Student Writers

Spotlight students will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of the Spotlight Showcase script every spring prior to Showcase Rehearsal Week. Students will work with our lead script writer to create the overall messaging and content for the Showcase script. If you are a Spotlight student interested in being a Student Writer for Showcase 2020, please email spotlighteducation@hennepintheatretrust.org.

Featured Dancer

Every Spotlight school can to nominate two (2) dancers to participate in the Featured Dancers number performed at Spotlight Showcase. Students nominated will attend an all-day masterclass led by our choreographer, where they will develop their dance vocabulary and technique as well as learn the all of the choreography for the Featured Dancer number. Schools must submit their dancers no later than March 30^, 2020.

If you have any questions regarding showcase participation, please email us at spotlighteducation@hennepintheatretrust.org.

Community Engagement Award

The Community Engagement Award is given to a school(s) that goes above and beyond the performance to make a difference within the community. This award challenges schools to use the production to make connections creatively and innovatively, fill a need, resolve conflict, provide extended services, and/or to engage the community.

Some things to consider:

• What are some of the complex themes within your production and how can those affect the community?
• Was the musical chosen to coincide with a social, political economic and/or community initiative?
• Is there contextual information that you are providing in innovative ways — such as post show discussions or programs in conjunction with neighborhood organizations?
• What positive change or learning has come as a direct result of working with the community?
• How will the impact of this production be seen/felt after the show has closed?

There may be multiple recipients for this award. Special consideration is given to projects and initiatives that are student driven and inspired by or directly related to the themes and/or content of your musical production.

If your school is interested in applying for this award, please contact spotlighteducation@hennepintheatretrust.org for the link to your customized application. All applications and supporting materials must be received by Friday, May 15, 2020.

Theatre Educator Award

Spotlight Education  occasionally will recognize an outstanding educator for their work with theatre students and the advancement of arts education.

More information will be made available each spring.

Triple Threat Award

Spotlight Education recognizes individual performances through the Triple Threat Award, which honors students (juniors and seniors) who excel in three areas — dancing, singing and acting — in addition to leadership in the community.

For award consideration, students submit a portfolio of their work. Spotlight Education staff chooses a group to attend a live audition and a live callback, where a panel of local artists select finalists.

During Showcase Rehearsal Week, Triple Threat Finalists learn and rehearse a number to be performed at the Spotlight Showcase. They also participate in vocal lessons and rehearse other featured moments during the show.

At Spotlight Showcase, the finalists perform live and four winners are recognized. The honorees receive an all-expenses paid trip to New York, where they attend Broadway shows, meet with industry professionals and participate in workshops to hone their triple threat skills. This Spotlight Education Triple Threat Broadway Experience is presented by Sun Country Airlines.

Jimmy Awards

Spotlight Education is proud to once again participate in the National High School Musical Theater Awards (NHSMTA) program. Spotlight students who received an Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role are eligible to audition to be one of two participants, one actor and one actress, sent to New York City for nationals. Find qualifying roles at JimmyAwards.com. The all-expenses paid, week-long experience includes rehearsals, master classes, private coaching and interviews with theater professionals leading up to the live awards show, where the Jimmy™ Award for Best Performance by an Actor and Best Performance by an Actress are presented.

he National High School Musical Theatre Awards™ (the Jimmy® Awards) are a national celebration of outstanding student achievement, recognizing individual artistry in vocal, dance and acting performance, and elevating the importance of theatre arts education in schools. The Jimmy Awards are presented by The Broadway League Foundation.

Auditions: To be considered for the Jimmy Awards, students must participate in the Triple Threat audition process.