Upcoming Productions
see full schedule
The Addams Family
@ Neshaminy High School
02/06 - 02/08/2026
The Phantom of the Opera
@ Penncrest High School
02/13 - 02/15/2026
Once Upon a Mattress
@ Conestoga High School
02/25 - 02/28/2026
High Schools
Enrollment is open to any public, private, charter, or parochial Pennsylvania high school (grades 9-12 participants only) within a 25 mile radius of City Hall, Philadelphia.
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Adjudicators
Adjudicators must be theater professionals, graduate students pursuing a Theatre Arts degree (either performing or technical), community members with theatre experience, or current/former theatre educators, that are currently unaffiliated with a participating school.
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Outreach
Through grants and free workshops, the Philadelphia Independence Awards provides opportunities to help local high schools grow their theater programs.
Learn more9/1
Registration Opens
10/1
Registration Closes
4/19
Last Performance Date
5/19
Awards Show
Philadelphia Independence Awards
Categories
Acting
Acting awards include lead, supporting and featured actor and actresses. Additionally, there are awards for small and large ensembles.
Music
Male and female vocalists are recognized as are student orchestras.
Dance
There are dance awards for solo and ensemble dancers.
Technical Theater
Technical theater awards are given for sound, light, stage management, makeup, costumes, scenic design and effects.
Specialty
Specialty awards include song, production, leadership and marketing.
Education
Each year we honor one theater educator that has made an impact on their students lives.
Sponsors
Featured School
Haverford High School
The mission of the Haverford High School Drama Club is to be welcoming and inclusive of growth in all forms. By developing characters, building a technical show from the ground up, creating music from nothing but lines on a page, and designing and executing hand-sewn costumes, this is possible. We strive not only to grow in our respective art forms but also as individuals in a community.
