A Peek Behind The Curtain of the Country’s Largest Performing Arts Scholarship Program
The Joci Awards work to recognize and assist hopeful college-bound high school students who excel in the performing arts. Named for the late Jocelyn L. “Joci” Straus, founding chairperson of the Foundation, the competition is open to students attending Texas public and private high schools, and home-schooled.
The Largest Performing Arts Scholarship Program in the United States
Since the 2009 inception of the scholarship program, The Majestic Empire Foundation has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarship funds to deserving student performers, making it the largest scholarship funding source of its kind in the United States. The 2024 competition will award over $120,000 to help 28 students pursue their college dreams. Perhaps even more impressive, these high schoolers can apply, audition, and have the opportunity to win scholarships all 4 years of high school.
National High School Musical Theatre Awards
The Jocis also serves as a regional award program for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, a national celebration of outstanding student achievement recognizing individual artistry in vocal, dance and acting, known as the “Jimmy Awards” in recognition of the program’s founder, Jimmy Nederlander. The students who win the Joci Awards’ best lead actor in a musical and best lead actress in a musical are awarded the opportunity to participate in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City, where they may win additional scholarship funds. Two past Joci Awards representatives finished as a top-eight finalist, Anna Zavelson, and top prize of best overall actor, Nicholas Barrón.
Joci Awards are May 5, 2024
If you want to catch a glimpse of terrific young talent, don’t miss the Joci Awards at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre on May 5, 2024. Ticket sales benefit the competition’s scholarship fund, so in addition to seeing a great show, you’ll also help the scholarship fund reach more students.