In 2002, Music Theatre Wichita launched a program called the Jester Awards to honor excellence in high school musical theatre. With a skilled and dedicated team of judges attending dozens of performances, the Jester Awards have won high praise for successfully increasing awareness and pride in the achievements of local young people.

The Jester Award program recognizes the extraordinary amount of work, creativity, and dedication that faculty and students pour into their high school theatrical productions. Recognition is given to casts and crews, directors and designers – all who work to stage these great works of musical theatre. Within practical limitations regarding number of schools and distance from Wichita, every effort is made to be as inclusive as possible. Recent participants include a great many Wichita area schools, and schools in locations such as Garden City, Hays, Salina, and Independence.

The program has grown exponentially each year since its inception. Applications should be received at least a month prior to a production. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All productions must take place prior to April 14, 2019.

Lists of the nominations for the Awards are e-mailed to each school's instructor in late April.

The Jester Awards Ceremony took place May 6, 2018 at Century II Performing Arts Center. Photos of the cermemony can be found at http://musictheatrewichita.zenfolio.com/2018jester. 

Congratulations to all of the 2017-18 nominees! Thanks for joining us at the Awards Ceremony! List of honorees can be found here.