Written by 2026 Student Reporter Amelia Trost
Photos by 2026 Student Reporter Malu Biju
The Ken Page Awards, formerly known as the St. Louis High School Musical Theater Awards, have been a participating chapter of the National High School Musical Theater Awards, or the Jimmy Awards, for over a decade. These awards celebrate outstanding achievement and excellence in high school theater across the St. Louis region. However, this is more than an awards show. It is an opportunity. It is a spotlight. And it is a dream come true for the arts.
The Ken Page Awards pave the way for the future of musical performance. They recognize and uplift all aspects of a show: the performers, the educators, the technical elements, and everything behind the scenes that is crucial to make a show come to life. They provide opportunities for students to work with and get feedback from professionals in the industry. This real-world experience not only encourages students to pursue their dreams but also gives them the tools to grow their talents. Nominees get to learn choreography and music from real professionals in the industry, giving them a taste of future careers. They have the opportunity to perform at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, a once-in-a-lifetime experience no one will soon forget. The Ken Page Awards are truly an immersive performing experience for students and lay the foundation for future goals.
Additionally, the benefits go beyond performers. The Ken Page Awards provide opportunities for student stage managers, student reporters, and educators, emphasizing the importance of all aspects of performing arts. Students can get involved behind the scenes with technical elements. It also allows students to explore possible career goals while providing useful experience. “It has been really valuable for me to be able to get on-the-job experience while I’m still in high school. It gives me an edge in the market”, states one student stage manager. The Ken Page Awards also highlight student excellence, including student design, choreography, and direction. This further supports all aspects of youth talent in the arts, providing recognition to the next generation of theatre leaders.
Beyond the actual award show, youth arts programs like the Ken Page Awards are crucial for building life-long skills and providing students with creative outlets to explore their passions. Many students do not have opportunities in their middle schools or in early education to explore the arts. Youth art programs allow the space for all students to experience their passions. They can feel comfortable trying new things and growing in professional ways. “I’m not a dancer”, says one student nominee, “but I come here and dance, and it is great!” Programs like the Ken Page Awards help students build foundations in real-world skills that can be carried to future careers, both inside and outside of the arts. MJ cast member Eric Hamilton has seen firsthand how theater can impact teamwork: “It teaches collaboration through experience. And having collaboration in something that you love, starting so young, builds you up for an incredible future. It creates environments of support and growth.” The Ken Page Awards present students with an incredible opportunity to grow in their performing and practice professionalism in a supportive environment.
“It is a safe space for people to express themselves”
The arts are more than a performance. They are a set of skills that continue to flourish as students grow. Being involved in performing arts encourages confidence, public speaking, and communication. A Savannah College of Art and Design professor understands the importance of working with professionals in the Ken Page Awards, stating that “being able to meet other people, use their talents, and be able to work together is huge. The confidence that you get from doing this kind of experience is immense.” This just shows that, beyond the emphasis on student performances and unique experience in the Ken Page Awards, student involvement in performing is incredibly beneficial for growing in confidence and collaboration. For so many students, performing is more than a hobby; it is a home. “It is a safe space for people to express themselves”, says one nominee. “It teaches you to put yourself out there. I only knew one person coming here, and now I’ve talked to tons of people.” Theatre opens doors for students everywhere, serving as a creative outlet and a supportive community. An opportunity like the Ken Page Awards serves to give students professional opportunities and help them grow in critical skills while providing a collaborative environment. Supporting programs like the Ken Page Awards means supporting youth talent and their dreams everywhere. The Ken Page Awards Ceremony is at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on May 28 at 7:30 pm. These performers are in for the experience of a lifetime, and the audience is too. The awards are more than a show, they are the beginning of a dream for students everywhere.
