The Joci Awards is the premier talent-based scholarship and education program for performing arts students, serving the region from San Antonio to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. As the largest and most comprehensive initiative of its kind in the United States, the Joci Awards emphasizes the critical role of theater arts education in schools while celebrating exceptional student talent in vocal performance, dance, acting, technical production, and communications. Additionally, the Joci Awards is a proud Regional Awards Program for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City, often called "the Tony Awards for High School Theatre." Each year, two exceptional students from the Joci Awards are chosen to represent the Majestic Empire Foundation on this prestigious national platform, receiving the highest recognition in high school theater. In 2022, our Best Lead Actor, Nicholas Barrón, achieved the extraordinary honor of winning the entire competition.
The Joci Awards transforms access to arts education by offering over 500 hours of free, high-quality workshops for all applicants, ensuring every student, regardless of socio-economic background, can thrive. These workshops, led by top local and visiting artists, develop essential audition techniques and professional skills, mirroring the rigorous standards of college and professional settings. Finalists receive advanced theater production training from Broadway-caliber professionals, preparing them for success in the competition and beyond. More than a competition, the Joci Awards is a life-changing experience that opens doors to higher education and professional opportunities, empowering the next generation of artists to achieve their dreams in any field they choose.
In 2025, the Joci Awards will move to the historic Majestic Theatre, driven by a surge in participation. In 2024, applications jumped 60%, with 354 students from 71 high schools. This year, we’re on track for a 210% increase. The 2024 Joci Awards sold out with a waitlist of eager patrons. To meet our increased demand, rehearsals and workshops will shift to The Josephine Theatre, and the move to the Majestic Theatre will expand seating and introduce a new category—Best Ensemble—showcasing entire high school groups. These changes will triple our reach, engaging 500 students and 3,000 participants, and further strengthen theater arts education across districts.
While these changes have necessitated a budget increase, they also signify a substantial expansion of our mission to support and nurture young talent in the performing arts, extending from San Antonio to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. This renewed enthusiasm for the performing arts in schools not only enriches students' lives but also revitalizes local theaters and strengthens the communities they serve, amplifying our far-reaching impact.
