Blue Star Awards
Established in 2003, Starlight’s Blue Star Awards is one of the largest and most admired high school musical theatre awards programs in the nation. It annually recognizes achievement and excellence in musical theatre among Kansas City area high school students.
High schools in the metropolitan area and surrounding communities can participate in the Blue Star Awards program. Each year the program serves more than 5,000 area students who contribute either on the stage or behind the scenes to their schools’ musical theatre productions.
Schools and students may participate in the Blue Star Awards program in one of two ways:
Path 1 participation is through an adjudicated production from a school theatre program within a driving distance of 60 miles from Starlight Theatre. This is initiated by a school or teacher in the fall.
Path 2 participation is for high school students attending a school (not part of Path 1) within a driving distance of 80 miles from Starlight Theatre. This is initiated by a student in the fall.
Interested schools and students should read the 2025-2026 Blue Star Awards Rules and Guidelines before registering. High schools interested in registering for Path 1 participation should contact bluestarawards@kcstarlight.com.
The Blue Star Awards are generously supported by multiple community engagement program benefactors, including an anonymous donor with support from Jeff Ayers, Southwest Airlines, The Jeannette & Jerome Cohen Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, Rob Bratcher & Michelle Davidson Bratcher, and the Mary Elizabeth Martin Scholarship Trust US Bank N.A., Trustee.
Blue Star Awards Ceremony
The 2026 Blue Star Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 21 at Starlight. Friends, family, and the community are invited to support and celebrate with the nominees at this high-energy, red-carpet event featuring performances that celebrate the talent and dedication of high school musical theatre students. Ticket information will be available in the spring.
Student Submissions
The Blue Star Awards program offers multiple opportunities for student involvement. Several award categories are open to all participating students, including Ceremony Ensemble, Technical Contribution Award, Creative Contribution Award, and the new Jimmy Awards Student Reporter category.
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Adjudicators
Starlight adjudicators are experienced theatre professionals—from performers and designers to directors and educators. Each season, they review all award categories and select the nominees and winners. While Starlight coordinates the process, we do not take part in the evaluations.
Jimmy Awards
The National High School Musical Theatre Awards™ (the Jimmy Awards) celebrates the best in high school musical theatre from across the nation. Each year, two Blue Star Awards winners travel to New York City to compete for awards, honors, and scholarship opportunities.