Fall high school theater productions have begun in Monmouth County and that can only mean one thing – The 15th annual Basie Awards are not far behind.
This year’s awards program and ceremony, presented by Bank of America, is slated for May 20, 2020. Tickets for the perennially sold-out celebration will go on sale in the spring, according to a press release.
The Basie Awards began in 2005 as a way to honor and recognize high school-level actors, actresses and productions in the Monmouth County area.
Basie Center evaluators began visiting high school productions last weekend, tabulating performances to see which performers and programs will be recognized at the Basie Awards, according to the press release.
“We’re excited that 2020 will mark the 15th year of the Basie Awards program,” said Yvonne Lamb Scudiery, Vice President of Education, Count Basie Center for the Arts.
“We are continuously amazed at the quality and hard work that goes into our region’s high school productions, and with support from Bank of America and high school productions throughout Monmouth County, we know that this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever,” Scudiery said.
Eligible school productions for spring will be announced in January. At least four Basie Awards evaluators visit qualifying productions during their runs, scoring individual and ensemble acting performances and technical design, according to the press release.
For spring musicals, vocal abilities, orchestras and choreography are also assessed, according to the press release. Nominees for all Basie Awards categories will be announced in early May.
