playbill vip

The Iowa High School Musical Awards, Presented by Des Moines Performing Arts, celebrates the extraordinary achievements of young musical theater artists.  The program aims to create visibility and support for high school musical theater programs and to highlight the importance of arts education.

Panels of community adjudicators comprised of performing arts educators and professionals attend and review each participating school production. Students and directors receive valuable constructive feedback that can be used to grow and strengthen their future work. Based on reviews and scores, schools ultimately receive awards in honor of their achievements in categories ranging from choreography, design, supporting performer, lead performer and overall musical production. 

The IOWA HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER AWARDS is designed to be celebratory rather than competitive in nature. Any student or school at an outstanding level is recognized for their achievement. Multiple honorees may be named in each category as performances merit.

The year culminates in a professionally produced award showcase event held on the Civic Center stage featuring outstanding student performances.  You may buy your tickets at the Des Moines Performing Arts site.