URGENT UPDATE: Gilmour Academy has just announced its participation in the highly anticipated 2026 Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards, an event celebrating excellence in high school musical theater across Northeast Ohio. This year marks a decade of the Dazzle Awards, which recognize the vital role of arts education in local high schools.
The Dazzle Awards ceremony is set for May 16, 2026, and will honor outstanding productions and students in 15 categories, including Best Musical and Best Actor/Actress. This initiative is crucial for students, as it opens doors to exceptional educational opportunities provided by Playhouse Square.
Gilmour Academy’s Fine and Performing Arts Program Coordinator, Lucas Clark, emphasized the significance of this participation:
“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.”
Since its inception, the Dazzle Awards have impacted over 18,000 students and 57 schools across the region. The program is affiliated with the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, known as The Jimmy Awards, where winners from the Best Actor and Actress categories represent Northeast Ohio.
Gilmour Academy offers a comprehensive Performing Arts program for students of all ages. From toddlers experiencing Music & Movement to Upper School students participating in diverse electives like play directing and set design, the program fosters a love for the arts. This fall, the school will present the beloved musical “Hairspray” on November 21 at 7 p.m., November 22 at 7 p.m., and November 23 at 2 p.m. in the state-of-the-art Lorraine and Bill Dodero Center for Performing Arts.
For those interested in the details of the Dazzle Awards, more information can be found at playhousesquare.org/dazzleawards. As Gilmour Academy gears up for this prestigious event, the excitement surrounding musical theater in the region is palpable. Stay tuned for further updates on this and the upcoming performances that promise to showcase the incredible talent of local students.
