Students from 29 local high schools in Broward and Palm Beach Counties were honored with commendations, performances and awards at the 22nd Annual Cappies Awards celebrating outstanding achievement in high school theater recently presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and South Florida Cappies Inc.

NSU University School took home the most honors with eight awards, including those for criticism, and tied with American Heritage in Broward for the most honored musicals with NSU University School’s production of Amélie Teen Edition and American Heritage’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat winning six awards. West Boca Raton High School received the Best Musical award for its production of Mamma Mia. Archbishop McCarthy High School’s production of The Curious Savage was the most honored play with six awards including Best Play.

“It is so rewarding to see the depth and breadth of theater education opportunities in high schools across South Florida and the outstanding array of talent both on the stage and behind the scenes,” said Broward Center President and CEO Ty Sutton. “I am delighted to see that so many of our schools are invested in the creative arts and developing the next generation in all aspects of theater performance and production. Congratulations to all the winners and to all the nominees.”

The Cappie Awards recognized performers, orchestras, designers, technicians, publicists and critics in 48 categories. Nominations were made by student critics from participating schools who attended productions at rival schools and wrote reviews. Winners were determined by votes from students through a weighted peer-review voting process.

“We are so thrilled that our 22nd year saw an increase of eight schools and over 300 reviews submitted making this the largest season in South Florida Cappies history,” said South Florida Cappies Founder and Chair Lori Sessions. “South Florida Cappies fosters respect between schools, encourages careful analysis of productions while continuing to celebrate and improve the quality of high school theatre. I’m so thankful as we celebrate high school theatre in South Florida that Cappies is still thriving and contributing to the education of our students.”

Coral Springs High School

Shrek The Musical

Supporting Actor in a Male Role in a Musical: Sean Jenkins

J.P. Taravella High School

Babes in Arms

Vocalist in a Female Role: Yasmeen Smith

Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS

Mean Girls, HS Edition

Supporting Actor in a Female Role in a Musical: Sydney Lotz

Comic Actor in a Female Role in a Musical: Myla Shapiro

North Broward Preparatory School

Mean Girls: High School Version

Featured Actor in a Female Role in a Musical: Olivia Espinoza