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Young Artists Awards

The Topeka Performing Arts Center Young Artists Awards Program was conceived in 1995 to recognize Shawnee County high school juniors who excelled in fine arts. The program celebrates their contributions to the enrichment of their schools and their community, and to encourage students' continued achievement in the arts.

Annually in spring, any Shawnee County high school junior can be nominated in one of nine awards categories. A panel of judges reviews the nominees' work to choose the best in each category.

This program is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Hill's Pet Nutrition. Thank you for your support!

Application Deadline

Submissions for the 2022 season are now closed.

Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 18th at 6:30PM.

Nomination Guidelines

Unlimited nominations from each person, school or arts organizations are allowed. Students may nominate themselves, with proper verification of their student status.

Because of the generosity of Hill's Pet Nutrition, scholarships will be awarded to those with the highest overall competition scores.

We encourage you to nominate any deserving high school junior for any category. We do not limit the number of students you can nominate, although each nominee may only be entered into one category. Please take time to fill out the nomination form below for each high school junior that you feel excels in the arts.

Nominations will not be accepted after the deadline. Incomplete nominations will be disqualified.

Category Details

Vocal Music or Instrumental Music

Accompaniments should not interfere with or distract from your talent.
Do not use excerpts from past performances prior to the summer preceding application.

Musical Theater

Accompaniment, costumes and background must not interfere with or distract from your talent.
Excerpts from past performances should only be used if video quality is good and nominee is a solo performer.

Visual Arts

May include any two or three-dimensional medium, including film and videography.
Simply present and explain examples in nominee’s portfolio of visual arts.
Do not use high-tech video graphics or transition process during the 4-minute presentation.
If videography is nominee’s medium, special effects may only be used during segments of actual art presentation.

Technical Theater

Simply show and explain examples in nominee’s portfolio of technical theater.
Quality of video must not compete or distract from nominee’s talent.

Dramatic Theater

Costumes and background must not interfere or distract from nominee’s work.
Excerpts from past performances should only be used if video quality is good and nominee is easily identified.

Ballet/Lyrical/Modern/Other Dance

Costumes and background must not interfere with or distract from nominee’s talent.
Excerpts from past performances should only be used if video quality is good and nominee is a solo performer.

Creative Writing

Video submissions for this category are optional.
Must submit a typed self-introduction;
1. Must not exceed one page.
2. Must be different from the nominee's statement.

Community Services in the Arts

Video submissions for this category are optional but not necessary.
Must submit a typed self-introduction.
1. Must not exceed one page.
2. Must be different from the nominee’s statement.
3. Must explain how nominee feels that community service has affected his/her life.

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