What Are the Joci Awards?
The Joci Awards (pronounced “Jah-see”) are the premier talent-based scholarship and education program for high school students across San Antonio and South Texas. Created by The Majestic Empire Foundation in 2009, the Joci Awards serve as an official Regional Awards Program for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards) in New York City.
Unlike traditional arts scholarships, the Joci Awards support any field of study—empowering students to pursue their dreams, wherever they may lead. Rooted in the belief that arts education builds essential life skills—confidence, leadership, collaboration, and resilience—the program removes financial barriers and opens doors to opportunity.
At the heart of the program is the Joci Awards Showcase—a one-night-only Broadway-caliber performance at the historic Majestic Theatre. Finalists selected through a rigorous adjudication process participate in a week-long Broadway Bootcamp, receiving professional coaching and mentorship.
Since its founding, the program has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships, with every finalist receiving at least $3,000. The top two performers go on to represent South Texas at the Jimmy Awards in NYC.
Year-round programming includes:
Master Classes & Workshops – Free, high-level training with Broadway and local artists
In-School Arts Education – Mentorship and performance programs delivered directly to schools
College & Career Readiness – Coaching, mock auditions, and personalized college counseling
With 500+ hours of free training annually, the Joci Awards provides a transformative first step into the arts—and life-changing access to higher education and professional careers.
A Program That Honors Every Aspect of Theatre
Students may compete in the following categories:
Best Acting Performance
Best Dance Performance
Best Vocal Performance (Solo)
Technical Theatre & Stage Management
Best Lead Actor/Actress in a Musical
Communication Arts & Reporting
Eligibility & Applications
The Joci Awards are open to all high school students in grades 9–12 across San Antonio/South Texas. Students do not need to attend a performing arts school to apply. Participation is free and all finalists receive training, mentorship and opportunities.
where are they now?
Joci Awards alumni have gone on to attend top programs like Juilliard, Carnegie Mellon, NYU, and Texas State - and many now work on Broadway, in national tours, film, and arts education, or have built successful careers in business, law, engineering, etc.
Help StudentS Take the Stage
Support the Joci Awards today! Your support powers life-changing scholarships, training, and experiences. Whether you give $25 or sponsor a full scholarship, you’re investing in the next generation of artists, leaders, and changemakers.
one stage. countless futures.
The Joci Awards are more than a performance—they’re a launchpad. Help us celebrate student talent and create a more equitable future through the performing arts. Don’t forget to Save the Date for the 2026 Joci Awards at the Majestic Theatre.
Participant RESOURCES
Celebrating Talent. Investing in Futures. Opening Doors Through the Arts.
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Access resources, deadlines, and participation info to help your students thrive.
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Apply, prepare, and take the stage. Learn how to participate and what categories are available.
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Want to mentor or evaluate this year’s talent? Join the team.
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Your support funds scholarships and ensures access for students across South Texas.
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Join us backstage, front of house, or behind the scenes.
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Email: jociawards@themajesticempirefdn.org
Phone: (210) 123-4567
Location: The Majestic Empire Foundation | San Antonio, TX
Your Investment. Their Future.
The Joci Awards are made possible by generous individuals, foundations, and businesses who believe in the power of the arts to change lives. Why should you support the Joci Awards?
Named scholarship opportunities
Branding in print, online, media, and on stage
VIP access to the Joci Awards event
High-impact community engagement
Join Our Creative Team
Empowering the Next Generation of Performing Artists Across South Texas
The Majestic Empire Foundation is building a diverse and dynamic team of Adjudicators and Teaching Artists to support our growing roster of free, high-impact arts education programs for students across San Antonio and South Texas. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, educator, technician, or director, there’s a meaningful way for you to engage with and uplift the next generation of artists.
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Help us discover and elevate South Texas’ rising stars. We’re seeking performing arts professionals with backgrounds in theater, music, dance, education, and production to join our Official Adjudication Team for the 2024–2025 Performing Arts Scholarship Program.
Since 2009, MEF has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships to 500 students, making the Joci Awards the largest performing arts scholarship program in the U.S. As a regional partner of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards), our adjudicators play a critical role in recognizing talent and helping young artists reach new heights.
What Adjudicators Do:Attend high school musical productions anonymously
Evaluate nominees for “Best Lead Actor” and “Best Lead Actress”
Provide fair scores and thoughtful, constructive written feedback
Influence which students advance to final auditions
Help select the two students who will represent South Texas at the Jimmy Awards in NYC
Qualifications:
Experience in musical theater, acting, directing, vocal performance, choreography, or arts education
Ability to offer supportive, actionable feedback and maintain confidentiality
Not affiliated with a participating school or student (must recuse if a conflict arises)
Access to the internet and ability to submit forms night of or within 7 days of viewing a production
Must provide own transportation (mileage reimbursed for productions outside Bexar County)
Resume, headshot, and application required
Final selection by the Joci Awards Advisory Committee
Paid position. Help shape the region’s most promising performing artists.
CLICK HERE to apply today.
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Inspire. Train. Empower. We’re also seeking dynamic, student-centered Teaching Artists for workshops, masterclasses, residencies, and production-based instruction. Teaching Artists are essential to the success of MEF’s Academy for the Arts, Joci Awards, and other year-round initiatives.
Our programs serve over 6,000 students annually, providing accessible, transformative arts education experiences across all disciplines—from acting, dance, and voice to design, directing, and technical theater.
Areas of Focus:Acting for Stage and Screen
Musical Theatre (Voice, Acting, Dance)
Choreography & Movement
Playwriting & Devising
Audition Prep
Technical Theatre & Design
Ensemble and Scene Work
Arts Career & College Readiness
Qualifications:
Experience as a professional artist and/or educator
Passion for working with middle and high school students
Comfortable teaching diverse student populations, including Title I schools
Strong communication, planning, and classroom management skills
Must submit a resume, headshot, and teaching portfolio or work sample
Must pass a background check if working directly with minors
Paid opportunities available. Compensation based on experience and scope of engagement.
CLICK HERE to apply today.
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Whether you’re behind the table as an adjudicator or in the classroom as a teaching artist, your expertise and guidance can shape lives, open doors, and expand opportunity for hundreds of young people across South Texas.
Apply now to become an Adjudicator or Teaching Artist with The Majestic Empire Foundation. Help us build a more vibrant, equitable, and creative future—one student at a time.
