The Sutton Foster Awards are a prestigious annual recognition celebrating exceptional talent and dedication in high school musical theatre across the state of Michigan. Named after the Tony Award-winning Broadway actress and Michigan native Sutton Foster, these awards honor two outstanding student performers for their individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performances in leading roles. The program seeks to recognize not only the talent of student performers but also the vital role that teachers and schools play in nurturing artistic excellence. Schools throughout Michigan are acknowledged for their commitment to high-quality performing arts education, with special emphasis on fostering creativity, discipline, and passion in their students. The two top performers selected through the Sutton Foster Awards go on to represent Michigan at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, held annually in New York City.

The Jimmy Awards, named in honor of Broadway theatre owner and producer James M. Nederlander, serve as the national platform where top musical theatre students from across the United States showcase their talent. Finalists from regional competitions like the Sutton Foster Awards participate in an intensive week of workshops and rehearsals in New York City, culminating in a live performance at a Broadway theater. The Jimmy Awards offer scholarships, professional mentorship, and exposure to industry professionals, serving as a launchpad for many aspiring performers. Through this larger framework, the Sutton Foster Awards not only celebrate Michigan's young performers but also connect them to a national stage, fostering growth, opportunity, and recognition in the world of musical theatre.

Sutton Foster Awards

How Does the Nomination and Awards Process Work?

The Sutton Foster Awards operate through a statewide adjudication process that evaluates high school musical theatre productions across Michigan. There is a set list of shows which can qualify for consideration (see the 2026 qualifying list here). Throughout the academic year, participating schools invite professional adjudicators to attend and assess their productions based on criteria such as vocal performance, acting, dance, and overall stage presence. These adjudicators provide detailed feedback and nominate standout performers for further consideration. From these nominations, a select group of high school students is invited to participate in a weekend-long intensive held in early summer, where they take part in workshops, rehearsals, and masterclasses led by theatre professionals. During this intensive, the students prepare and perform selections from their roles, which are then judged by a panel. Based on their performance, two students—one male and one female—are selected as the winners of the Sutton Foster Awards. These top honorees then advance to represent Michigan at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (Jimmy Awards) in New York City, where they join other top performers from across the country for a week of training and a final Broadway-style showcase.