Wharton Center - Sutton Foster Awards

The Sutton Foster Awards are a celebration of high school musical theatre across the State of Michigan. A program of Wharton Center for Performing Arts, the Sutton Foster Awards is open to all high schools in the state, regardless of location, budget, or school size.

The year-long program consists of four main components:

1. Learning Opportunities with Theatre Professionals
   Workshops offered throughout the year help students grow in their theatre craft. Whether students are performers, technicians or on the creative team, these skill-building workshops are designed to offer any/all participants of the school musical production an opportunity to learn. Many workshops will be led by visiting Broadway professionals.
2. Professional Review
   All participating musicals receive a professional review. A panel of adjudicators, comprised of performing arts educators and professionals, attend each musical and provides feedback on everything from individual performances to technical elements. The scores and review are based on each school’s own merit and is not a competition between schools. Teachers and students use the feedback to learn for future productions 
3. Workshop and Audition Weekends
   All nominees will participate in a Sutton Foster Awards Workshop and Audition Weekend. Students will receive individual vocal coaching with professional voice teachers, learn music and choreography for a production number to be performed during the showcase, and audition for a panel of judges. All of these experiences are meant to help the students grow as performers and prepare them for a career in musical theatre.
4. Awards Showcase
   The year culminates in a professionally produced Sutton Foster Awards Showcase. In addition to celebrating the schools, the two nominees for the National High School Musical Theater Awards will be revealed. The 2024 Showcase will be held at Wharton Center in East Lansing.
   
   

IMPORTANT DATES
October 2, 2023 – Registration process opens
November 6, 2023 – Registration process concludes

May 4–5, 2024 - East Lansing SFA Workshop and Audition Weekend
May 18–19, 2024 - Detroit SFA Workshop and Audition Weekend 
May 31 – June 1, 2024 – Sutton Foster Awards Showcase Weekend

Please refer to the "Resources" tab on this page to view the 2023-2024 Rule & Guidelines

Registration opens October 2nd 2024

For questions, please email Ben English at ben.english@whartoncenter.com or by phone at 517-884-3171.

If you are having trouble registering, please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.