Welcome to the 31st season of the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards! Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, this program was created in 1996 to recognize and reward the outstanding achievements of New Jersey high school musical theater. We are thrilled to launch another year of honoring the artistry, dedication, and collaboration that bring student productions to life.
Handbook for Participating Schools
We encourage all educators to carefully review the updated Participating Schools Handbook, which outlines key policies, timelines, eligibility requirements, and the entire process from adjudication to the Awards Ceremony.
Register for Full Performance Adjudication
Registration is open December 1, 2025 through January 9, 2026.
Space is limited and registrations are processed on a rolling basis.
Key info as you prepare to register:
- Adjudication period: January 22 – April 19, 2026
- Registration fee: $95
- Confirmation and invoice will be sent via email after submission
- You must submit Production Details at least two weeks before opening night
- Schools will receive a dedicated folder for uploading performance videos, photos, and support materials
Spotlight Awards (formerly Auxiliary Awards)
This year, we are reintroducing our special recognition categories, now known as Spotlight Awards. These application-based awards honor excellence across performance, leadership, education, inclusion, and design. Categories include:
- Rising Star College Scholarships
- Outstanding Solo Performance
- Educational Impact Award
- Student Achievement Award
- Featured Ensemble Member
- Theater for Everyone Inclusion & Access Award
- Outstanding Educator Award
Full guidelines and applications will be released January 30, 2026, but an overview is included in the handbook to help you begin preparing.
Thank You to Our Program Supporters
We are deeply grateful to the generous supporters who make the Rising Star Awards possible. The program is presented by the Investors Foundation and the Citizens Philanthropic Foundation.
Rising Star Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Ruth Bedford in memory of Jane Burgio, Walt Santner in honor of Janet Sovey, James K. Mosser, and the Douglas Michael Krueger Scholarship Fund Trust. The Theater for Everyone Inclusion & Access Award is supported by the Cultural Access Network. We also thank Hearst Foundations, the Education & Outreach Partner of Paper Mill Playhouse, for their steadfast commitment to arts education and to the students and communities we serve.
Our work is also made possible by funds from New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
For inquiries about registration, adjudication, or program guidelines, contact Rising Star Awards Coordinator Kira Harris at: RisingStarAwards@PaperMill.org
