New “Arshties” Awards Program to Honor Musical Theater Excellence in Miami-Dade Schools

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First-of-its-kind program in Miami celebrates local students and builds pathways to careers in the arts

Arshties Lead Callback Auditions – Photo by Eduardo Segovia

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to announce the launch of The Arsht High School Musical Theater Awards program, affectionately referred to as The Arshties, a new annual program designed to celebrate, elevate and expand musical theater education in Miami-Dade County high schools. This marks the Adrienne Arsht Center’s latest investment in arts education, offering students and teachers professional-level experiences and recognition for their work both on and off the stage.

Open to all Miami-Dade County public, private and charter high schools producing a musical between October 2025 and May 2 2026, The Arshties will provide students with access to Broadway-caliber master classes, feedback from theater professionals and technical theater training – all culminating in a Tony Awards-style showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 7 p.m., at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Knight Concert Hall. At the showcase, two local student performers will be selected to represent Miami-Dade County at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy Awards®) in New York City. Tickets to the showcase are $20 and can be purchased here.

Gulliver Prep – Spelling Bee – Photo Courtesy Gulliver Prep

“The Arsht is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of artists,” said Jairo Ontiveros, executive producer and VP Dorothea Green Chair of Education and Community Engagement at the Arsht. “With The Arshties, we’re creating equitable pathways for students to experience the transformative power of the performing arts; whether they dream of Broadway or simply want to build confidence, spark creativity and strengthen teamwork.”

Miami Arts Studio – The Drowsy Chaperone – Photo by Eduardo Segovia

In addition to recognizing outstanding student performances, The Arshties will present awards for excellence in technical theater, stage management, vocal performance, choreography and design, fostering a comprehensive appreciation for the collaborative art form of musical theater. The program also includes free professional development for educators, ensuring Miami-Dade County teachers have the tools and resources to inspire the next generation.

For a full list of award categories, eligibility requirements and registration information, visit ArshtCenter.org/Arshties