High School Musical Theater Adjudicator
The Philadelphia Independence Awards (501c3), celebrating excellence in high school musical theater, is seeking dedicated adjudicators for the 2026–27 season!
Adjudicators play a vital role in recognizing student achievement by attending performances, providing constructive feedback, and celebrating the next generation of theater artists across our region.
Who We Are Looking For: We believe our panel of adjudicators should reflect the diverse, vibrant communities and rich cultural makeup of Greater Philadelphia. We welcome individuals of all racial, ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, gender identities, and abilities—including BIPOC artists, LGBTQ+ theater-makers, and community leaders.
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Arts educators (former, current, and future)
- Actors, directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, and production staff
- Musicians, theater historians, and graduate students in the arts
- Theater enthusiasts with a deep appreciation for high school performing arts
- Past adjudicators wishing to return
Role & Responsibilities
- Attend and evaluate 18–22 high school musicals (approximately 60–75% of participating productions) within a 25-mile radius (as the crow flies) of Philadelphia City Hall.
- Complete an online evaluation form and written response within 72 hours of each performance.
- Participate in a brief digital training module (asynchronous, under one hour).
- Provide your own transportation to productions (assignments are scheduled with proximity in mind, though public transit access varies).
- Nominate student performers to represent the Greater Philadelphia region in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards®).
Schedule & Commitment
- Most productions take place Thursday through Sunday during March and April (with peak weekends requiring attendance at multiple shows).
- Adjudicators are permitted to bring a guest to performances.
Compensation
- $25 stipend per production attended and evaluated.
- Distributed at the end of the season upon completion of all assigned responsibilities.
Please note: This is a seasonal, contract position that requires significant commitment. Applicants must be able to commit to attending the required number of annual productions throughout the region.