2018/2019 Nebraska High School Theater Academy PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK Omaha Performing Arts Education and Community Engagement Programs 1200 Douglas Street | Omaha, NE | 68102 | 402-345-0202 OmahaPerformingArts.org Table of Contents Program Overview ......................................................................................... 1 How to Participate ......................................................................................... 2 Publicity & Social Media ................................................................................. 3 Adjudication ................................................................................................... 4 Award Categories ........................................................................................... 7 Showcase ..................................................................................................... 10 National High School Musical Theatre Awards ............................................. 14 Learning Opportunities ................................................................................ 15 Important Dates & Reminders ..................................................................... 17 Contact Information ..................................................................................... 18 Forms & Documents ..................................................................................... 19 Past Participants & Winners ......................................................................... 28 INTRODUCTION About Us The Nebraska High School Theater Academy (NHSTA) is an education program produced by Omaha Performing Arts, the largest arts institution in Nebraska. In addition to presenting Broadway, jazz, dance, and other professional touring shows the Orpheum Theater and the Holland Center, education and community engagement programs is a central part of our mission. Our education offerings take the performing arts beyond our venues and into classrooms across Nebraska. To learn more visit OmahaPerformingArts.org/Learn-and-Engage. Mission The Nebraska High School Theater Academy is designed to: • Celebrate the artistic achievements of teachers and students involved in theater • Support schools by providing high-quality learning, performing and creative experiences for students • Advocate for the importance of theater education in Nebraska middle schools and high schools History Omaha Performing Arts launched the Nebraska High School Theatre Academy (formerly the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards) in 2013 with an inaugural group of 22 Omaha-area high schools. Over the past 6 years the Nebraska High School Theater Academy has evolved into a statewide network that connects high schools and middle schools with a wide variety of theater education resources. Last year, the program expanded its reach over 450 miles to serve 78 schools while also receiving a new look and name change. This season, the NHSTA program will accept up to 70 high schools and 10 middle schools across Nebraska. How It Works Schools are invited to register for the program each fall. Once a school is registered, students and teachers receive exclusive access to a catalogue of learning opportunities, including: • Master Classes – send students to classes in acting, dance, audition technique, and technical theatre led by Broadway professionals (reimbursement for busing available for schools in need). • In-School Workshops – request a professional theater artist to visit your classroom and lead a workshop on a topic of your choice. • Adjudication – have a team of performing arts professionals attend your musical, play or one-act to provide written or oral feedback. • Broadway Tickets – be notified when free or discounted tickets to Broadway touring shows are available. • Digital Learning – schedule interactive discussions with industry professionals through the Broadway Speakers Bureau. • Awards – have your musical considered for awards as a part of the adjudication process an encourage students to apply for awards honoring excellence behind-the-scenes. • Showcase – join us for the annual Tony Awards-style celebration at the Orpheum Theater featuring student performances, awards, and much more (free housing and meals provided to students in need). • National High School Musical Theatre Awards – students can audition to compete at the Broadway League’s national Jimmy Awards in NYC (all expenses paid). All learning opportunities are optional and included at no additional cost to registered schools. This handbook contains detailed information on all the opportunities listed above. More information is also available online at OmahaPerformingArts.org\Nebraska-High-School-Theater-Academy. 1 REGISTRATION Eligibility The Nebraska High School Theater Academy is open to grades 6-12 at any public or private school in the state of Nebraska. Schools do not need to produce a show to participate; however, there are eligibility guidelines for schools that want to be considered for awards (see page 4) or students who want to participate in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (see page 14). Registration & Fees To participate, schools must submit the online registration form. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis starting in August each year. Cost of registration is $100 for the 2018/2019 school year (this is a one-time payment that covers your school’s participation in all NHSTA events for the entire school year). • New to the NHSTA program? Here is a link to the registration form. • Returning NHSTA schools can register here or simply email us at [email protected] and we’ll send you an invoice. Registration will open August 15, 2018 and remain open until November 15, 2018 or until we hit max capacity of 70 high schools and 10 middle schools. Spots fill up quickly and schools are encouraged to register early! After submitting the online registration form, an OPA staff member will send you a confirmation email with an invoice. Registration fees are due within 90 days of receiving the invoice. Checks should be made payable to Omaha Performing Arts. Registration fee waivers or discounts are available for schools demonstrating financial need. Primary Contact Each school must identify a primary contact person on the online registration form. The primary contact should have regular access to phone and email as all major correspondence regarding the program will be directed to this person. Time Commitment Omaha Performing Arts knows that many hours of hard work that teachers put in each day. One of the goals of the program is not to create additional work for teachers, but to provide visibility for the work that is already being produced. During the school year, there is little additional time commitment from teachers other than communicating information from Omaha Performing Arts staff to students and vice versa. Assessment Teachers and students will be asked to complete printed or electronic surveys following certain program activities. OPA may also request letters of support and testimonials. Surveys will evaluate participants’ experiences and aid in the development of future program activities. OPA also hosts an annual feedback meeting and reception for teachers in June. Teacher Advisory Committee The NHSTA teacher advisory committee meets 2-3 times a year to provide feedback and help determine the future of the program. Meetings will take place in-person at the Holland Center and/or via conference call. To become a member of this committee for the 2018/2019 school year and receive more information email [email protected]. 2 PUBLICITY & SOCIAL MEDIA One of the goals of the Nebraska High School Theater Academy is to enhance visibility of participating schools’ performing arts programs. Omaha Performing Arts may post production photos and show information from participating schools on the Nebraska High School Theater Academy website and social media sites. OPA may also share show information with local media personnel. We want to help promote the great work you’re doing with your students! You can email stories, photos and videos to [email protected] for us to share out. Omaha Performing Arts also encourages schools to announce their participation in the Nebraska High School Theater Academy in school newspapers, websites, social media sites, newsletters, and other materials produced or distributed by the school. All participating schools with adjudicated musicals, plays or one-acts should plan on including the official NHSTA PARTICIPATION STATEMENT in their printed program books (see page 19 for details). Visit OmahaPerformingArts.org/learn-and-engage/Nebraska-High-School-Theater-Academy for Nebraska High School Theater Academy related articles, photos, videos, and other news updates. Join the Nebraska High School Theater Academy community! Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/NebraskaHSTA.OPA Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/NebraskaHSTA Check out our new Instagram: @NebraskaHSTA 2018 An American in Paris Master Class 3 ADJUDICATION Omaha Performing Arts has selected a team of performing arts professionals across the state with backgrounds in education, music, theater, dance, and related fields to serve as adjudicators to evaluate school shows. Adjudication is one of many learning opportunities offered through the NHSTA program. Adjudication is optional, and there are many ways to take advantage of this learning opportunity in your school (you can choose one or all three): Option #1: Pre-Show Evaluation