Starlight To Reveal Blue Star Awards Nominations At Area High Schools
Nomination Delivery Day set for April 30 across Kansas City metro.
Starlight Theatre will reveal the nominations for the 24th Annual Blue Star Awards through in-school presentations on Thursday, April 30, as part of its annual Nomination Delivery Day.
Each year, high school students across the Kansas City metro area participate in the Blue Star Awards program, which recognizes achievement in musical theatre. During the 2025–26 season, 66 schools and nearly 5,100 students took part.
Presentations will take place at several schools throughout the day. At Grain Valley High School, Starlight Learning + Training Manager Andy Pierce will present at 7:05 a.m. to an expected audience of 40 students. At Olathe West High School, Starlight President and CEO Lindsey Rood-Clifford will present at 7:10 a.m. to approximately 60–70 students. Chief Programming Officer Alex Jones will present at Olathe East High School at 7:30 a.m. to an estimated 50–60 students. Rood-Clifford will also present at Raymore-Peculiar High School at 11:00 a.m. to approximately 40–50 students.
Modeled after the Tony Awards, the Blue Star Awards program was established in 2003 and recognizes excellence in high school musical theatre across the Kansas City region. The program includes students both onstage and behind the scenes.
The 24th Annual Blue Star Awards ceremony will take place Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Starlight Theatre. Premium seating is available for $20, with additional ticketed seating offered free of charge. Tickets can be reserved at kcstarlight.com or by calling (816) 363-7827.
Founded in 1950 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1951, Starlight Theatre is one of the largest performing arts organizations in Kansas City. Located in Swope Park, the venue seats nearly 8,000 and presents Broadway productions, concerts, and community programming throughout the year.
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