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Young Artists Awards

The Topeka Performing Arts Center Young Artists Awards Program was conceived in 1995 to recognize Shawnee County high school juniors who excelled in fine arts. The program celebrates their contributions to the enrichment of their schools and their community, and to encourage students' continued achievements in the arts.

Annually, any Shawnee County area high school junior can be nominated in one of nine awards categories. A panel of judges reviews the nominees' work to choose the best in each category.

Application Deadline - March 24, 11:59PM

Any submissions after March 24 will be considered ineligible.
Incomplete nominations will be disqualified
We strongly encourage students to submit their applications early to be sure all forms, links and materials are received by the deadline date and time.

Nomination Guidelines

Scholarships will be awarded to those with the highest overall competition scores.

We encourage you to nominate any deserving high school junior for any category. We do not limit the number of students you can nominate, although each nominee may only be entered into one category. Please take time to fill out the nomination form below for each high school junior that you feel excels in the arts.

Nominations will not be accepted after the deadline. Incomplete nominations will be disqualified.

Application & Bio Information

Complete the application and nominee’s biographical information. All applications must be legible.
All nominees must currently be juniors in a Shawnee County High School and passing at least five (5) high school classes.

Nominee Statement

Each nominee must attach a one-page, typed statement regarding their overall life goals and their vision of the role that art will play in his/her future.

Nominator Statement

Each nominator (including self-nominators) must attach a one-page, typed statement regarding why the nominee was submitted for the Young Artists of the Year Awards.

Videotaped or Written Presentation

Each nominee must prepare a videotaped introduction/audition for the judges. Community Services in the Arts nominees are encouraged to submit a video introducing themselves to the judges. Please view video submission guidelines for additional information.

Video Submission Guidelines

Videos must not be longer than four (4) minutes in duration; judges will terminate all videos when four minutes have elapsed and exceeding video will not be viewed.
All videos must include a self-introduction of the nominee not to exceed 60 seconds
Remaining time should be dedicated to showcasing nominee’s categorical talent
Presentation must be in audition, contest or performance format
Lighting must be adequate to easily see performance
Audio must be adequate to hear and understand the nominee’s presentation
Upload video to Vimeo (www.vimeo.com) and insert link into application. If you choose to keep the video private, please enter the password so we may download for the judges. This password will not be shared with anyone and will be kept private.
Group ensemble videos are discouraged unless student can be clearly identified.

Category Details

Ballet/Lyrical/Modern/Other Dance

Costumes and background must not interfere with or distract from nominee’s talent.
Excerpts from past performances should only be used if video quality is good and nominee is a solo performer.

Community Services in the Arts

Video submissions for this category are encouraged as an introduction to the judges.
Must submit a typed self-introduction.
1. Must not exceed one page.
2. Must be different from the nominee’s statement.
3. Must explain how nominee feels that community service has affected their life.

Creative Writing

Video submissions for this category should include a short example of the students work read by the nominee.
Must submit a typed self-introduction.
1. Must not exceed one page.
2. Must be different from the nominee's statement.

Dramatic Theater

Costumes and background must not interfere or distract from nominee’s work.
Excerpts from past performances should only be used if video quality is good and nominee is easily identified.

Musical Theater

Accompaniment, costumes and background must not interfere with or distract from your talent.
Excerpts from past performances should only be used if video quality is good and nominee is a solo performer.

Technical Theater

Video should show and explain examples in nominee’s portfolio of technical theater.
Quality of video must not compete or distract from nominee’s talent.

Visual Arts

May include any two or three-dimensional medium, including film and videography.
Simply present and explain examples in nominee’s portfolio of visual arts.
Do not use high-tech video graphics or transition process during the 4-minute presentation.
If videography is the nominee’s medium, special effects may only be used during segments of actual art presentation.

Vocal Music or Instrumental Music

Accompaniment should not interfere with or distract from your talent.
Do not use excerpts from past performances prior to the summer preceding application.

Application