Gilmour Academy Joins Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards Program

Gilmour Academy has announced its participation in the upcoming Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards program, a prestigious initiative that celebrates excellence in musical theater and arts education across high schools in Northeast Ohio. The Dazzle Awards, presented by Pat and John Chapman, have been recognizing outstanding contributions to the arts for over a decade.

The Dazzle Awards program not only provides recognition but also offers valuable arts education opportunities throughout the school year. The culmination of this initiative will take place during the Dazzle Awards ceremony scheduled for May 16, 2026. Awards will be presented in 15 categories, including Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Student Orchestra, and Best Student Technical Execution. An independent panel of adjudicators evaluates the nominations and awards.

Impact on Students and Community

Since its inception, the Dazzle Awards program has positively impacted approximately 18,000 students from 57 schools in the region. The program is affiliated with the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (commonly known as “The Jimmy Awards”), which allows the winners of the Best Actor and Actress categories to represent Northeast Ohio at a national level each summer.

Commenting on the significance of participating in the Dazzle Awards, Lucas Clark, Gilmour’s Fine and Performing Arts Program Coordinator, emphasized the importance of this opportunity. “Not only does our participation in the Dazzle Awards allow us to showcase our students’ talents to a wider local audience, but it also opens the door to boundless educational opportunities offered through Playhouse Square,” Clark stated.

Comprehensive Performing Arts Program

Gilmour Academy’s Performing Arts program offers an extensive range of opportunities to students across all divisions. Beginning with toddlers in Music & Movement, the program allows Lower School students in grades K-6 to perform in Christmas and spring concerts, learn various musical instruments, and receive formal vocal instruction. These students may participate in chorus and are encouraged to take part in Upper School drama performances.

As students progress to Middle School, they can join the band or chorus. All Middle School students are involved in the annual spring musical, contributing either on stage or behind-the-scenes. In Upper School, students have the option to choose from a range of electives, including Pops Ensemble, music theatre workshop, play directing, production, set design, and scene painting.

The Drama Club at Gilmour Academy also presents productions each fall and spring. This fall, the club will perform “Hairspray” at 7 p.m. on November 21 and 22, and at 2 p.m. on November 23, in the Lorraine and Bill Dodero Center for Performing Arts, a state-of-the-art facility located on the school’s campus.

For more information about the Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards, visit playhousesquare.org/dazzleawards.