Adjudicator of High School Musicals

Now Recruiting: 2026–27 Adjudicators for the Philadelphia Independence Awards for High School Musical Theater

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.

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.

• 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

• Attend and evaluate 18-22 high school musical productions (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).

• 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.

• $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.