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TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS

2026 HELLER AWARDS FOR YOUNG ARTISTS

MAY 6 | BASS CONCERT HALL

Central Texas’s Tony Awards for High School Musical Theatre

The Heller Awards for Young Artists (HAYAs) celebrate outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre. Presented by Texas Performing Arts in association with Impact Arts, the program recognizes students, teachers, and schools for their creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

The Heller Awards for Young Artists (HAYAs) is one of Central Texas’s most exciting and impactful cultural programs—a year-round initiative that celebrates excellence in high school musical theatre while expanding access to arts education and building lasting connections among students, educators, and communities.

Produced by Texas Performing Arts in association with Impact Arts, the HAYAs support more than 40 area high schools, including approximately 30% Title I campuses, reaching over 80,000 students each year.

Through free, high-quality training, mentorship, and performance opportunities, the program empowers educators and students to grow their theatre programs, build confidence, and engage their communities. The Heller Awards strengthen school theatre across the region—helping students develop creativity, collaboration, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the stage.

The program culminates in a spectacular red-carpet ceremony at Bass Concert Hall, where thousands gather to celebrate student achievement through live performances, awards, and scholarship presentations. It’s a night that showcases the next generation of artists, educators, and innovators shaping the future of the performing arts in Central Texas.

Support for the Heller Awards for Young Artists is provided by H-E-B and H-E-B Tournament of Champions, Heller Awards for Young Artists Endowment, Marc and Carolyn Seriff Endowment for High School Musical Theater, the Cipione Family Foundation, and the Heller Awards for Young Artists Executive Producers: Andrew and Mary Ann Heller, Bettye Nowlin, Heather Petkovsek, and an anonymous donor.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
• Venue: Bass Concert Hall
• Website: https://texasperformingarts.org/hayas/

Ticket Information

• Cost: Tickets on sale April 15

Presenter Details

• Name: Texas Performing Arts

Texas Performing Arts is the University of Texas at Austin’s performing arts center.

One of the largest and most active live arts organizations in the U.S., TPA operates venues on the UT campus including Austin’s largest theatre, Bass Concert Hall.

Our presenting programs include Broadway in Austin, the Texas Welcomes series of national touring artists, and a curated Performing Arts Season of international theatre, music, dance, and more. TPA is also a leading producer of new performance, offering creative opportunities to both local artists and national productions.

TPA is part of UT’s College of Fine Arts and fulfills the university’s public service, research, and educational missions. More than twenty thousand students throughout Central Texas and across the university experience the arts through TPA’s extensive educational programs.

Venue Details