Shuler Hensley Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Shuler Hensley Awards?
Fashioned after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Shuler Hensely Awards are part of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, designed to celebrate and recognize excellence in Georgia's high school musical theater programs.
Who is Shuler Hensley?
The Awards are named after Broadway star and Atlanta native, Shuler Hensley.
Who founded the Shuler Hensley Awards?
The Shuler Awards were conceived and developed in 2009 by the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation’s ArtsBridge education program.
Where are the Shuler Hensley Awards?
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, Georgia
Is this a "competition"?
The program is designed to celebrate high school musical theater, not to compete schools against each other. School productions are evaluated on how well each production is meeting or exceeding its own potential. Each production is adjudicated and scored against itself for consideration, rather than against all other school productions, charging schools to create the best possible work in their unique circumstance and environment. The program uses the awards show format but emphasizes celebration, community and camaraderie among all schools. During the awards evening, there are moments when the student nominees perform together, and each participating school is asked to assign two students to perform with others for the opening and finale numbers of the event.
When is the Awards? When is the adjudication period?
The awards are traditionally the second or third week of April. The date is chosen based on the facility's availability. The adjudication period is between September and March.
How are recipients identified?
Productions are evaluated by a panel of adjudicators selected from the professional arts community of Georgia. Local school faculty and administrators are not eligible to serve as adjudicators. Schools are evaluated in 15 categories and the results are tabulated by Frazier and Deeter, LLC.
Do magnet arts programs or schools with big budgets have an advantage?
Judges evaluate how well a school does, based on that school's unique resources and challenges. Criteria emphasizes achievement and not budget or size of production. Many schools other than the arts magnets produce great work in the judging categories and a large number of traditional schools have been recognized with nominations and awards. Judges discern how well magnet schools utilize the resources available to them and will also recognize schools that have fewer resources, but still present excellent work.
Is there a participation fee?
No, schools are not charged a participation fee. Tickets to the Awards are $15 each.
How do I get involved in the Shuler Awards program?
Register here.
Can I be an adjudicator?
We are always looking for qualified volunteer judges who are experienced performing arts professionals. Please click here for more information.
How do I support to the Shuler Hensley Awards?
The Shuler Hensley Awards program, production and scholarships are made possible by generous contributions by gracious supporters who believe in the power of arts education. Donations at any level make a big difference. Click here to make your gift today and get additional information on donor benefits.
How can I volunteer or intern?
We welcome volunteers and interns throughout the year, especially during production (February - April). Volunteer and intern assignements include: general office, backstage, merchandise, food and beverage, rehearsals and production. If interested, please email creed@cobbenergycentre.com .
Updated as of 4 August 2011