FAQ

The Majestic Empire Foundation’s Performing Arts Scholarship Program is open to students in grades 9-12 who are U.S. citizens and residents of the State of Texas. Students applying in the Acting category must be enrolled in public or private schools or home schooled. Students may only compete in one category.

Homeschooled students are more than welcome to apply in the Acting, Dance and Vocal categories. Because we have to adhere to rules set forth by the Jimmy Awards for Best Lead Actor and Actress, we cannot accept homeschooler applications in those two categories.

The Joci Awards help develop the Broadway performers and audiences of tomorrow by supporting students today. To date, we have awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships to deserving students of San Antonio and South Texas – making us the single largest scholarship program for the performing arts in the United States.

The awards are held each May on the stage of the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, following a week of truly professional rehearsals, culminating in a Broadway-caliber production that has been nicknamed the Tony Awards of Texas. In this one-night showcase, 28 students compete to receive over $100,000 in scholarships to pursue higher education. Two scholarship recipients go on to compete at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmys) in NYC. In 2022, our Best Lead Actor representative, Nicholas Barrón, won the entire competition. In addition, our Best Lead Actress representative, Anna Zavelson, placed in the top four and went on to star in this past summer’s New York City hit revival “The Light in the Piazza.”

Las Casas works with talented performers and educators from the South/Central Texas to judge the preliminary auditions. To ensure the audition process is fair for all applicants, Las Casas does not disclose the names of individual judges.

Yes! We are extremely proud to be a Regional Awards Program. Two scholarship recipients go on to compete at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmys) in NYC. In 2022, our Best Lead Actor representative, Nicholas Barrón, won the entire competition. In addition, our Best Lead Actress representative, Anna Zavelson, placed in the top four and went on to star in this past summer’s New York City hit revival “The Light in the Piazza.”

Uncover the rich history, diverse architectural elements, and unique renovation process of the Majestic and Empire Theatres during an interactive walking tour. Reminisce on memories from the past and discover one of the best-kept secrets San Antonio has to offer!

Note: Tours are offered for groups of 10 or more; tours for groups of 10 or less are offered for a minimum donation of $100.

To learn more and request a tour, please visit our Tours info page located here.

Become a member of The Majestic Empire Foundation and enjoy exclusive Majestic and Empire Theatre benefits today to help support the students of tomorrow. Click here to learn more about our The Majestic Empire Foundation Membership Program.

Supporting Las Casas and our mission doesn’t end with Membership and financial underwriting.  Every year, Las Casas hosts fundraising events, workshops and The Joci Awards, all of which benefit from volunteer support. Learn more here.