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To be eligible to participate in The Jimmy Awards®, the Best Actor and Best Actress winners must have played a NHSMTA®-recognized leading role in their school’s production. For this reason, only students playing a NHSMTA®-recognized leading role in their high school’s production will be eligible for the Joci Awards’ Best Lead Actor and/or Best Lead Actress category.
Due to the nature of the award, the Best Lead Actress and Best Lead Actor nominees and winners will be determined by both a production, audition, and show. Eligible students receive a production score from members of our Official Adjudicator Team that attend their school productions.
In order for a student to qualify in the Best Lead Actor or Best Lead Actress category, their high school musical must have been adjudicated by our Official Adjudication Team.
Students in these categories must also apply to to the Joci Awards and audition in person or via video during our official Joci Awards audition weekend.
Students will also receive a score from our official production team to evaluate their participation in the show based on including but not limited to professionalism, preparedness, and participation.
Lastly, students will receive an official score for their performance during the Joci Awards by our panel of esteemed Industry judges.
Best Lead Categories
Fair
Inconsistent characterization • Inconsistent demonstration of the character’s goals and obstacles
Fair
Rarely has melodic and rhythmic accuracy • Rarely displays basic vocal technique • Clear diction usually lacking
Fair
Usually moved with hesitation • Limited physical character choices made • Rarely able to execute choreography
Fair
Rarely able to be seen and heard • Rarely engaged in the world being created • Usually appeared nervous or distracted
Proficient
Basic characterization • Basic demonstration of the character’s goals and obstacles
Proficient
Basic melodic and rhythmic accuracy • Basic vocal technique displayed • Sometimes uses clear diction
Proficient
Sometimes moved with hesitation • Some physical character choices made • Sometimes able to execute choreography
Proficient
Sometimes able to be seen and heard • Sometimes engaged in the world being created • Sometimes appeared nervous or distracted
Accomplished
Good characterization • Good demonstration of the character’s goals and obstacles
Accomplished
Melodic and rhythmic accuracy most of the time • Good vocal technique with projection, breath support, and tone • Often uses clear diction
Accomplished
Moved with confidence • Good physical choices that enhanced character made • Good execution of choreography
Accomplished
Took the stage; could be seen and heard • Often engaged in the world being created • Minimal evidence of nerves or distraction
Excellent
Excellent characterization • Excellent demonstration of the character’s goals and obstacles
Excellent
Melodic and rhythmic accuracy all the time • Excellent vocal technique with projection and phrase interpretation • Always uses clear diction
Excellent
Moved with precision and animation • Excellent physical choices that enhanced the character made • Excellent execution of choreography
Excellent
Commanded the stage with presence and ease • Always engaged in the world being created, showing strong understanding of role’s place in the story • Always confident
Mastery
Masterful characterization • Exceptional demonstration of the character’s goals and obstacles
Mastery
Complete melodic and rhythmic accuracy • Masterful vocal technique and tone, including nuanced phrase interpretation • Masterful diction throughout
Mastery
Movement fully integrated the character traits and choreography • Flawless physical choices that enhanced the character always made • Flawless execution of choreography
Mastery
Fully commanded the stage with presence and ease • Fully engaged in the world being created, and added depth to the storytelling • Exuded confident and charisma
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