If you’re passionate about musical theatre or have teens involved in high school productions, you might be wondering: What are the Sara Bareilles Awards?
Named after the celebrated singer-songwriter and Broadway composer Sara Bareilles, these awards are a prestigious new addition to the high school theatre scene in Northern California. Launched by BroadwaySF in partnership with the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (also known as the Jimmy Awards®), the Sara Bareilles Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre across a broad regional footprint, including San Francisco, Alameda, Sacramento and beyond.
A New Stage for Young Talent
The inaugural Sara Bareilles Awards ceremony took place on 18 May 2025 at San Francisco’s historic Orpheum Theatre. Students from participating schools came together to perform live in front of a panel of judges, showcasing their talent and dedication in categories such as:
- Outstanding Overall Production
- Lead Actor and Lead Actress
- Supporting Performer
As part of the experience, nominees had the rare opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Sara Bareilles herself, offering insight and inspiration from one of the industry’s most admired figures.
A Stepping Stone to Broadway
What makes these awards especially exciting is their connection to the national Jimmy Awards®. Each year, two top student performers from the Sara Bareilles Awards will go on to represent Northern California at the national finals in New York City. This provides a springboard for emerging talent to step into the spotlight on a national stage, often catching the attention of college recruiters and industry professionals.
Honouring a Broadway Star
Sara Bareilles, known for her Grammy-winning hits and her Tony-nominated Broadway musical Waitress, has long been an advocate for arts in education. The awards named in her honour are more than just trophies—they are an investment in the future of musical theatre and a celebration of the vibrant, creative young performers shaping tomorrow’s stage.
Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, or just a fan of musical theatre, the Sara Bareilles Awards mark an exciting new chapter in arts education—and a reminder of the transformative power of performance.
Discover more from 5 things to do today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.