Jerry Awards Title Sponsor
Recognizing Excellence!
The Jerry Awards, one of Wisconsin’s High School Musical Awards Programs, encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. The program began in the 2009/10 school year as the Tommy Awards, and was renamed in 2017/18 season to The Jerry Awards after philanthropist and arts supporter W. Jerome Frautschi. Educators and industry professionals review productions at more than 85 high schools in 30 counties around the state providing valuable feedback. The program elevates the importance of musical theater within high schools.
2021 Jerry Awards Show – May 22 | 7:30 PM
The 2021 Jerry Awards Show will be SAT, MAY 22 at 7:30 PM. The solo performances of our 20 semifinalists will be livestreamed on YouTube (embedded above) and our Jerry Awards Facebook pages. The show will include performances by the Central and Southern Jerry Ensembles, interviews with the 20 semifinalists and incredible solo performances by the students. The evening will conclude with the announcement of the two students who will represent the Jerry Awards at the 2021 virtual Jimmy Awards and a finale video performance by members of the Jerry Company.
2020-21 Jerry Awards Program Plan
This year 45 students joined the Jerry Company and attended virtual workshops focused on performance and audition skills. At the end of the workshop sessions, students who were interested in auditioning to represent the Jerry Awards at the National High School Musical Theater Awards (The Jimmy Awards), submitted an audition video. A panel of reviewers then selected 20 students who will perform a solo at this year’s Jerry Awards Show.
Learn about the impact of the Jerry Awards in the following personal testimonies:
• Kate Janssen: Jerry Awards program exemplifies Overture’s commitment to the next generation
• Amber Kind-Keppel: Jerry Awards recognize powerful work of high school theater programs
• Sarah Karlen: Jerry Awards positively impact students, directors, communities
• Gail Becker: Investing in Overture is nourishing your soul
School and student achievements are honored and featured in an awards show held at Overture Center in June and two outstanding performers are selected to represent the program at The National High School Musical Theater Awards (The Jimmys) competition in New York City.
Students at participating high schools can participate in The Jerry Ensemble, become a Student Critic, and receive special ticket deals to Broadway and other performances at Overture Center, The Marcus Performing Arts Center, the Grand Theater and the Fine Arts Center at Viterbo University. Check out the Participation Guide for more information.
Overture Center is pleased to partner with the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, The Grand Theater and Viterbo University expanding the reach of the Jerry Awards to Milwaukee, Wausau and LaCrosse area schools.
Watch the 2020 Jerry Awards!
Full Video:
Thank you to everyone who watched and contributed to the event!
I See Stars – Performed by the 2020 Jerry Ensemble:
You Will Be Found – Performed by the 2020 Spirit Award Recipients:
Overture’s JERRY AWARDS on PBS Wisconsin
Overture and PBS Wisconsin collaborated in celebrating the important work done in high school musical theater and are excited to share the talent and dedication with viewers around the state. The Jerry Awards is thrilled to be a part of PBS Wisconsin’s multiyear Young Performers Initiative, which celebrates Wisconsin’s young artists and those who inspire them. Videos from past awards shows can be found on PBS Wisconsin’s website.
Looking for a photo from a past Tommy or Jerry Awards Show? View Mark Frohna’s photographs of the past awards shows.
Program Information
Find out more about our resources and programs for educators.
Past Award Recipients
Overture Center is pleased to partner with Marcus Performing Arts Center, The Grand Theater, Viterbo University and PBS Wisconsin.
Questions?
Contact Programming and Community Engagement Manager Karra Beach
kbeach@overture.org
608.258.4455
