Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announced and celebrated its 11th Annual Applause Award winners.
A panel of 20 statewide casting agents, show producers and industry professionals selected winners consisting of 400 students from 39 high schools, spanning 10 counties who participated in the 11th Annual Applause Awards inside Walt Disney Theater on May 31st.
Winners Suliette Ortiz and Adam Bouchachia will go on to represent the local region at the prestigious Jimmy Awards in New York City.
See 2025 Applause Award Winners
Reminiscent of the Tony Awards, this annual event celebrates the very best talent in local regional high school theaters, including teachers and students. During the event, winners performed in various categories and be recognized for excellence in singing, acting, dancing and supporting and lead performer roles.
“We’re so proud to produce the Applause Awards each year and bring the region’s top student performers together on our Walt Disney Theater stage in Orlando,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “It’s more than a show — it’s a celebration of talent, a chance to earn scholarships and a big step toward turning dreams into reality on and off the stage.”
Eight schools were honored for Outstanding Musical, and two lead performers were selected as the Applause Awards winners and Jimmy Award nominees. Additionally, the Applause Awards offers all participating college-bound students a chance to earn a scholarship. To date, the arts center has awarded more than $251,500 in scholarships through the Applause Awards program.
The 2025 Applause Awards took place on May 31st, hosted by Dr. Phillips High School grad and Broadway star Michael James Scott inside Walt Disney Theater.
This event was made possible through the support of AdventHealth, American Momentum Bank, Chesley G. Magruder Foundation, Chick-fil-A Greater Orlando Area, Experience Kissimmee, Florida Theatrical Association, Isermann Family Foundation, Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, OUC- The Reliable One, PepsiCo, Publix Super Markets Charities and Savannah College of Art and Design.
