The Philadelphia Independence Awards

Free Workshop Day

An annual event that pairs local theater students with local theater professionals to promote the development of theater skills. The 2026 workshop will take place on Saturday, January 24 from 9am-noon.

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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.

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9/1

Registration Opens

10/1

Registration Closes

4/19

Last Performance Date

5/19

Awards Show

Philadelphia Independence Awards

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.

Featured School

Jenkintown High School

Alyssa Davidson

, Director

325 Highland Ave

, Jenkintown, Pe 19046

https://sites.google.com/jtowndrakes.org/jenkintown-theater-arts/home

The JTA, The Jenkintown Theater Arts Program, is a flourishing performing arts community at Jenkintown Middle/High School. The JTA presents two performances a year; typically a musical in the fall and a drama in the spring. This year, the JTA produced a musical in the spring entirely student run with support from the JTA professional team. The JTA is under the directorial guidance of Alyssa Davidson.