The Philadelphia Independence Awards, established in 2017 by high school theater teachers and directors, was created to share and award outstanding student theater performances and productions throughout the Philadelphia region.
Over the course of the 2023-24 school year, 30 musicals were adjudicated by theater professionals, theater and music graduate students, and/or current/former theater educators.
Students from these respective schools gathered with families, friends, colleagues, and business representatives, at Temple Performing Arts Center on Monday, May 20 at 7pm. Co-Hosted by actress Jenny Lee Stern and 6ABC Action News anchor Rick Williams, the production is sponsored by Ensemble Arts Philly and celebrated the best of Philadelphia's high school musical theater with featured performances and over 25 awards, including the nominees for representation at the National High School Musical Theater Awards - The Jimmy Awards!