Jimmy Awards Reveal Star-Studded Coaching Team

Coaching And Judging Lineup Announced

This week, the Jimmy Awards, officially known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, unveiled the coaches, judges and presenters for its 16th annual ceremony. Headlining the roster are Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jasmine Amy Rogers and Julia Knitel, alongside a selection of Broadway veterans. These mentors will lead workshops, run masterclasses and offer live feedback to finalists in the days before show night.

Hamilton Creator Brings Broadway Flair

Lin-Manuel Miranda returns to the Jimmy Awards stage as both coach and evaluator. The Pulitzer Prize–winning composer earned a string of accolades for Hamilton, including multiple Tony Awards and a Grammy, and his involvement underscores the event’s mission to nurture new voices. Miranda’s own journey—from a college workshop production of In the Heights to creating one of Broadway’s biggest hits—mirrors the path the students hope to follow.

Expert Mentors Round Out The Roster

Jasmine Amy Rogers, whose choreography and direction credits span Off-Broadway and regional theatres, will guide contestants through movement, staging and character choices. Julia Knitel, a respected casting director behind breakout Broadway performers, joins as a judge to assess vocal technique and dramatic presence. Together with other industry pros, they will present awards in categories like Best Supporting Actor, Best Female Lead and Outstanding Ensemble.

Performance Structure

Finalists from across the U.S. will each perform a solo piece to highlight vocal range and an ensemble number demonstrating teamwork and choreography. Coaches provide one-on-one song coaching, acting notes and staging tips to sharpen each performance. A live orchestra—drawn from top music conservatories—accompanies every number, giving students a true Broadway experience.

Event History And Impact

Since its 2009 debut, the Jimmy Awards has launched careers and awarded millions in scholarships. Produced by The Broadway League and the Nederlander Organization in partnership with the American Theatre Wing, the ceremony counts alumni like Ben Platt—2011’s Jimmy winner turned Tony Award champion—and Eva Noblezada, now a leading lady on the Great White Way. Each year, regional competitions send nominees from more than 40 states to New York for this culminating showcase.

Ceremony Details And Access

The 16th annual Jimmy Awards ceremony takes place June 24 at New York City’s Minskoff Theatre. Tickets go on sale in mid-May, and a selection of performances will stream live via the official Jimmy Awards digital platform. For schedules, bios, ticket information and complete mentor bios, see the link in the Jimmy Awards Instagram bio. As the post notes, “Learn more about this year’s ceremony at the link in our bio.”

Supportive Community And Beyond

Beyond competition, the Jimmy Awards fosters a nationwide network of young actors, directors and technicians. Participants connect with peers, Broadway icons and talent scouts, often earning college scholarships and professional representation. Workshops cover audition technique, resume building and behind-the-scenes careers—from stage management to costuming.

In New York this June, the stage will light up with fresh talent guided by some of Broadway’s brightest names, all striving for their moment under the spotlight.

Trivia

Lin-Manuel Miranda often integrates his heritage into his work, celebrating Latin culture and exploring themes of identity and community.

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Sakshi

 

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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