2026 Jimmy Awards Discussion Thread — Page 2

bwaylvsong1 said: "John Adams said: "bwaylvsong1 said: "just the odds of playing a Jimmy-qualifying role in itself are incredibly low!"

There's no such thing as a "Jimmy-qualifying role". It's the students' performances that qualify them for one of the various scholarships/awards."

This is incorrect- there are specific roles and shows that are eligible for Jimmy awards and many that are not- see this list:

https://www.arshtcenter.org/media/ezamm3va/2026-qualifying-shows-and-roles-list.pdf


For example, if a student were to play Younger Brother in “Ragtime”, he would not be eligible for the Jimmy Awards. If a student were in “Grease”, even as Danny or Sandy, they’re out of luck because NO roles in that show are eligible."

I'm fascinated that you can't play June in Gypsy.

pagereynolds said: "bwaylvsong1 said: "HenryTDobson said: "I wish someone would help with song selection for the finalists because some of these songs are wayyyyy over these high school kids' heads. I think Samia picked the most relatable song for a high schooler, which is why she excelled (and of course had excellent vocals as well). I do find it confusing how students are able to attend the Jimmys multiple times - this was Samia's third time there, a finalist every year she appeared. Clearly she's great but it would be nice to spread the love around a bit....."


What makes thesong selection piece interesting is that [I saw a video yesterday saying that] the kids bring four potential options for the final round and are coached/judged by adjudicators in the week leading up to the competition… one would think that the adjudicators would discourage, for example, a teenage girl singing “I Miss The Mountains” (though I do think she did it well).

And regarding thepoint of students competing more than once, I have long wondered how this is possible as well- just the odds of playing a Jimmy-qualifying role in itself are incredibly low! And then making it through all of the hurdles and rounds after that… it’s like winning the lottery multipletimes!"

"I Miss the Mountains" was certainly a better choice than "YourDaddy's Son", which, although sung well, requires so much dexterity as an actress that's not available to a teenager.

Adding to the discussion of eligible roles, there are many schools that don't provide eligibility at all, either."

While technically a more difficult song (both vocally and dramatically), “Your Daddy’s Son” is at least somewhat age appropriate.

And exactly my point- the student has to attend an eligible school, play an eligible role in an eligible show, get nominated for said role, attend the regional branch of the competition, WIN that, go to NYC, make top 40, and then make top 8. Absolutely wild that that could happen to any student more than once, no matter how talented!

I was involved in the selection process for an area in the past.   The high school director has to ask the area judges, who are anonymous to come to one of the performances. If the director doesn't ask and submit the paperwork, the school doesn't get judged.   There are 3 judges and they must have no connection to any student or faculty at the school.  The judges do not attend the same performance and are not allowed to discuss that they are involved in any way with anyone other than the selection committee and the local sponsor. (The judges are compensated for their time and expenses, but can refuse to be re-imbursed.)  There is often debate on who should be chosen from each high school.  I know one performer in particular that didn't get the nod caused a very bitter fight,  and there were no exceptions to be made to allow a 3rd from the production to go in and compete locally.   We were also told that several musicals/roles that are not included on the list is because of the rights to the show and the rights holder allowing it to be presented in a shortened form at competition and then in NYC without compensation.    This may have changed in the last few years, but the last year I was involved was when Andrew Barth Feldman and Renee Rapp won at the national competition.