TOMMY AWARDS PARTICIPATION GUIDE
FOR STUDENTS
STUDENT CRITICS PROGRAM
High school aged students interested in journalism, writing, and/or the performing arts are encouraged to apply
for the Student Critics Program. The program aims to foster critical thinking and writing skills. Participating
students will attend and review a selection of Broadway musicals at Overture Center, as well as possible
performances of opera, classical music and dance performances. Prior to each show, the students will attend
workshops receiving instruction on writing critical reviews for live performances. Lindsay Christians, a full-time
reporter who writes about fine arts for the Cap Times in Madison, is the students’ instructor.
Apply for the Student Critic’s Program here.
STUDENT LIAISONS
Most directors select a student liaison representative to connect students at their school with the Tommy
program. Liaisons are sent the bi-monthly Tommy Newsletter and invited to join the Tommy Awards Student
Liaison Facebook group. Students are encouraged to plan group outings to other high school performances
and attend special events held at Overture Center and Marcus Center.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
CUNA Mutual Group is awarding a scholarship for a graduating senior residing in Dane County who has been
accepted and is planning to attend a Wisconsin-based college or university to major in the performing arts or
an arts related field. Scholarship applications are due in May each year.
Apply for the scholarship here.
TOMMY PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE
Students going into grades 9-11 can audition to be a part of this performance group. The Ensemble performs
at various events at Overture Center and in the community. Each year they are featured in a cabaret
performance and open the Tommy Awards Ceremony.
Auditions will be held June 10, 2015. Register to audition here.
MAKING IT ON BROADWAY MASTER CLASSES
Occasionally Overture Center is able to schedule master classes led by professionals and cast members from
the touring Broadway shows performing at Overture. Cost for these small group classes is only $20 and are
announced to the Student Liaisons, on our website, and in the Tommy Newsletter.
TOMMY ALUMNI GROUP
While not for current participants, a Tommy Alumni group on Facebook was started for alumni to build their
network connections, post information about their upcoming shows and stay connected with each other.