Upcoming Productions
see full schedule
Matilda
@ Villa Maria Academy High School
01/30 - 01/31/2026
The Addams Family
@ Neshaminy High School
02/06 - 02/08/2026
High Schools
Enrollment is open to any public, private, charter, or parochial Pennsylvania high school (grades 9-12 participants only) within a 25 mile radius of City Hall, Philadelphia.
Learn more
Adjudicators
Adjudicators must be theater professionals, graduate students pursuing a Theatre Arts degree (either performing or technical), community members with theatre experience, or current/former theatre educators, that are currently unaffiliated with a participating school.
Learn more
Outreach
Through grants and free workshops, the Philadelphia Independence Awards provides opportunities to help local high schools grow their theater programs.
Learn more9/1
Registration Opens
10/1
Registration Closes
4/19
Last Performance Date
5/19
Awards Show
Philadelphia Independence Awards
Categories
Acting
Acting awards include lead, supporting and featured actor and actresses. Additionally, there are awards for small and large ensembles.
Music
Male and female vocalists are recognized as are student orchestras.
Dance
There are dance awards for solo and ensemble dancers.
Technical Theater
Technical theater awards are given for sound, light, stage management, makeup, costumes, scenic design and effects.
Specialty
Specialty awards include song, production, leadership and marketing.
Education
Each year we honor one theater educator that has made an impact on their students lives.
Sponsors
Featured School
Abington Friends School
Abington Friends Schools' Theater Program is a beloved pillar of student life. Over 25% of the Upper School participates in the performing, building and marketing of our shows. We produce two full main-stage productions a year, with additional student led productions taking place in our black box theater as part of our new Live Arts Club.
Our program values rigor, boldness and generous ensemble work. The Quaker value of Community guides our process: from casting, to play selection, to marketing.
