The judges arrive in less than ONE HOUR!

Tonight is a beautiful night for singing, isn't it?! Starting at 6:30pm, each participant will take their place before the Jimmy Awards judges to perform their solo selection. From classic tunes from My Fair Lady and Fiddler on the Roof to recent Broadway shows In the Heights and Catch Me If You Can, and a host of amazing Broadway songs in between, these 50 performers are ready to WOW this expert panel of industry professionals! Before the dinner break NHSMTA President Van Kaplan and Choreographer Kiesha Lalama took a few moments for a pep-talk. Everyone is now focused and ready to go. Break a leg!

It sounds like Broadway in here!

Believe it or not, last night marked the end of two rigorous days of solo coaching. The transformations were INCREDIBLE! Upon arrival, the participants were placed into groups and assigned coaches. Now, the time has come for them to step out on their own with the new tools they've been given. Today is a full day of rehearsal, including all material for Monday's big night and they're ready!

They're working hard, but don't worry - all participants were treated to a delightful lunch yesterday with Broadway star and Tony Award-winner Beth Leavel; current star of "Baby It's You!" Beth shared her story about going from Social Work major at a small North Carolina college to Broadway veteran. Her advice to everyone - learn that which you don't know (in her case, reading music) and learn from every mistake you make! Poignant advice aside, she had the room in giddy laughter during her visit and is one Broadway "Baby" all nominees will be sure to remember for a lifetime.

Dinner brought a panel of expert speakers from NYU. As the participants listened closely, Patricia Decker, Director of Recruitment, explained the complex financial aid application process, making certain that everyone was familiar with the procedure. Manager of Admissions, Chris Andersson, entertained the crowd with his dramatic explanation of the various drama programs and available disciplines at NYU. Kent Gash, Director of NYU Tisch School of the Arts New Studio on Broadway: Music Theatre and Acting dove into the audition process saying "We are all actors. We are all story-tellers;" and encouraged everyone to "bring your joy, bring all of who you are, into the room" during auditions. Kent introduced the recipient of the very first Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor, Stephen Mark (2009). Having just completed his Freshman year at Tisch, Stephen talked about surviving his first week and using his experience at NHSMTA as a springboard to prepare for

the rigors of his new university training.

All-in-all a day full of nervous energy, laughter and even a little education thrown in! On to today - one step closer to Broadway and the Minskoff Theatre on Monday!

Day 2: Rehearsal and Planet Hollywood and "The Addams Family" and more!

Day 2 started off like just any other day in the life of a high school student. All 50 participants woke up, showered, brushed their teeth, combed their hair and were out the door in less than a New York minute. The difference was that before this day ended these 50 bright-eyed hopefuls would have lunched with a Broadway star, dined in Times Square and met the cast of a hit Broadway premiere, including one of Broadway's most legendary performers. Oh, and they also spent hours rehearsing for the biggest show of their lives.

After a full morning of solo coaching with NYU faculty members including a Tony Award-winner (Broadway's original "Sweeney Todd,") and two Tony Award nominees, the kids gathered for lunch with the star of Broadway's "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" Nick Adams, for a candid discussion about what it takes to make it in show biz. Nick's advice? If you can't imagine doing anything but singing and dancing your way through life, then do it!

Lunch was followed by four more hours of coaching and choreography for Monday's show before the buses were loaded and everyone was off to Planet Hollywood in the heart of Times Square. Surrounded by priceless Broadway and Hollywood artifacts the participants had a chance to relax and enjoy a meal with their new-found friends. One table even erupted in an impromptu (and beautiful) rendition of "Happy Birthday" to one participant's lucky best bud who called in to check from their hometown.

Following dinner the group headed over to the gorgeous Lunt-Fontanne Theatre for "The Addams Family." After the curtain came down and the applause subsided everyone headed to the front of the Orchestra section for an exclusive talk-back session with cast members including Broadway veteran Bebe Neuwirth! Bebe and company talked about their respective roads to success and how important it is to stay true to oneself and pursue your dreams! It was a tough night to sleep after the excitement of the day, but there is a lot of work ahead and lights were out by midnight.

The 3rd Annual National High School Musical Theater Awards are in full swing!

It's hard to believe that The National High School Musical Theater Awards started
just three short years ago! Now, The Jimmy Awards are back...50 participants strong. This amazing group of talented youngsters from across the country arrived today to check into the dorms at NYU and have brought lots of energy with them!

After settling into their new homes this excited group of students, chaperones and Awards staff gathered for dinner together. After dinner each participant stood and introduced themselves and it became clear that the group had its share of jokesters from near (New York City) and far (California!). But they were ready to get down to business with the first music rehearsal TONIGHT.

Unlike many high school musical programs that rehearse for months at a time, this show comes together in less than ONE WEEK. And it's on BROADWAY at the Minskoff Theatre. From solo rehearsals to putting together medleys for Monday's big night, it's going to be a busy but memorable six days for all!

Jimmy Awards Alum on NBC's "The Voice"

Have you been watching NBC's latest hit "The Voice"? Is so, then you've already caught a glimpse of 2009 Jimmy Awards alum Patrick Thomas. Patrick wowed the "The Voice" judges with his blind audition and was chosen to be a part of country star Blake Shelton's team. Click here learn more about Patrick and see his crowd-pleasing performance.

Just two short years ago, Patrick represented the Betty Lynn Buckley Awards in Forth Worth, TX at the first annual National High School Musical Theater Awards. He was nominated for his role as Billy in Anything Goes. Can you pick him out in this medley performed at the 2009 Jimmy Awards?

We couldn't be happier for Patrick. His success just makes us more excited to see what talented performers will be joining this June!

Share your school's images with us!

We'd love to see more photos and videos from high school musical theater programs across the country. Check us out on Flickr and see if you can find one from your school's show! Better yet - "Join In" on our home page and upload your own photos.

Everything from candid behind-the-scenes photos to formal shots from your regional awards program are welcome... We can't wait to get a closer look at your performances!

Get involved!

Have you checked out our Facebook Page? Become a Fan and join in the conversation about what made your high school musical special this year!
... And for more exciting news about the NHSMTAs and the regional programs involved, you can also follow us on Twitter at @JimmyAwards.