Dr. Phillips Center names winners of 12th Annual Applause Awards - 2 Students earn spots at Jimmy Awards in NYC

Over 400 students from 46 high schools dazzled at the 12th Annual Applause Awards, produced by Dr. Phillips Center. Winners, Abby Harrell, and Josef Wright, will go on to represent our region at the prestigious Jimmy Awards in NYC.

Two outstanding high school performers will represent the Florida region at the Jimmy Awards in New York City after being named nominees at the 12th Annual Applause Awards at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Abby Harrell and Josef Wright earned the coveted honor on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in front of a sold-out crowd inside Walt Disney Theater, securing their spots in the national competition.

The Jimmy Awards are a celebration of student achievement in high school musical theatre across the country, spotlighting the next generation of Broadway Talent. Two nominees from each regional ceremony will spend 10 days in New York City for a rigorous theatre intensive led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals. The experience culminates in a performance at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre.

“Sharing the stage with a community of people who live their lives to create art is so special,” said Harell, who recently graduated Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. “I’ve learned so much from this experience and I’m excited to step in to this next chapter to learn more from the people around me.”

This year’s competition drew in record participation, with over 400 students from 70 productions and 46 high schools, spanning across 11 counties competing for the top honors – the largest group since the program launched in 2015. Beyond recognizing the two Applause Awards Jimmy nominees, the evening celebrated excellence across multiple categories while distributing more than $221,000 in scholarships to 40 college-bound students.

“I’m still in shock—this experience means the world to me and it has truly changed my life.” said Wright, a rising junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. “I look forward to learning how I can enhance my performance and become a better actor.”

Since its inception, the Applause Awards has impacted 42,000 students and honored 5,200 winners from across Florida. The program has produced 18 Jimmy Awards nominees, with five students earning national recognition in New York City and two named Jimmy Awards winners. Additionally, the Applause Awards has provided $471,000 in scholarships to deserving college-bound students.

“Over 12 years, we have seen this program transform the lives of thousands of young artists across Florida and this year's record participation shows that momentum is only growing,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “Every scholarship awarded and every nominee headed to New York is proof that when you invest in young talent, the impact lasts a lifetime."

The Applause Awards was directed by Richard Hinds and hosted by Michael James Scott, a Broadway star and Dr. Phillips High School alumnus known for his role in Disney’s Aladdin.

To learn more about the Applause Awards and to get involved, visit drphillipscenter.org.

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