Write-Up by: Kaylee Guinigundo
(Walt Disney Theatre, Orlando FL) On May 31 2025, the night of the 2025 Applause Awards, the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center transformed into a place of talent and celebration. The 2025 Applause Awards, now in its 11th year, once again delivered a powerful evening that not only highlighted the extraordinary talents of young performers from across Central Florida, but also reflected the spirit of unity, resilience, and remembrance that defines the arts promoted by the Dr. Phillips Center. At its core, the Applause Awards is more than a regional showcase—it’s a beacon for young artists. Designed to honor outstanding achievements in high school musical theatre, the awards recognize students across multiple categories: performance, direction, choreography, technical execution, and ensemble work. Each school year, adjudicators evaluate productions across Florida and select standout individuals and groups amongst 39 participating high schools. But most importantly, the Applause Awards is a launchpad. Through workshops, mentorship from Broadway professionals, and the opportunity to qualify for the prestigious Jimmy Awards in New York City, this program encourages the belief that the arts are not only worthy of celebration, but rather they are essential to community, identity, and possibility. In just two weeks, the Applause Awards is created from start to finish through a grandiose manner to properly celebrate the successes of many young performers—which the Walt Disney Theater definitely accomplishes.
From the moment you step into the Walt Disney Theater, you are immediately greeted with the uplifting spirits of theatre. The orchestra playing infamous instrumental Broadway songs created a warm ambience for the evening, getting the audience excited for the ceremony of the night. Uniquely from other theatre showcases, the Applause Awards provides a welcoming preshow with live broadcasts run by the show’s cohost Emma Cate Davis, 2025 Jimmy Semi-finalist. Amongst interviews with sponsors and guests, Davis begins the night with a welcoming smile as she greets guests in the lobby. Once the show starts, the audience is pleased to be met with the lively energy of Host Michael James Scott, an Orlando native and Broadway star. His return to the stage was not just a homecoming but a full-circle moment, reflecting the program’s impact on local talent and its ability to inspire future generations. Scott’s charismatic stage presence continued to shine throughout the night, especially with the variety of bedazzled outfits he showcased with each stage entrance.
With all of the aesthetics of theatre, the Applause Awards is truly taken to the next level with its ability to direct, choreograph, and perform a variety of musical numbers. The opening number “Step Into Your Light” & Broadway Medley” by Rick Hip-Flores and John Mason III set the bar extremely high for the night. The smooth dance moves, clean formations, powerful vocals, and stage presence were complimented with the seamless light design and orchestrated music. With only two weeks of rehearsals, these outstanding lead performers brought their full energy and seized every moment they had onstage, which truly shows their pure passion for performing. Seeing these students performing at the same level of professionalism that is required for Broadway serves as a defining praise to Dr. Phillips for giving them the chance to show the world how powerful theatre can be. The 2025 Applause Awards maintained this high standard of performance throughout the night, thriving off their own successes and earned praises from the audience.
While every musical number was a production in itself, the number that stood out to me the most tonight was an ensemble piece that served as a tribute to William Finn, Tony award winning composer and lyricist, who had passed away in April. Instead of putting together a regular musical piece to follow the rest of the show, the directors and choreographers of Dr. Phillips Center intentionally chose to utilize the Outstanding Supporting Performers to honor Finn’s life and music. The performance was a beautiful fusion of movement and emotion, capturing the essence of Finn’s contributions to the arts and leaving a mark on all who witnessed it. As the lights dimmed and the music began, the audience was enveloped in a hushed reverence. The tribute wasn’t just a performance; it was a eulogy in motion. This honor greatly contributed to the overall theme of the night: performing is a celebration of music and life. Without any specific words regarding Finn, the original arrangement combined hope, sorrow, and remembrance of the hardships that comes with being an artist. By recognizing these aspects of the industry, this specific ensemble was able to convey the experience that many artists go through following this career. Each movement and formation was intentional; the final pose left an emotional impact as the performers stood silently in the shape of a “W” in memory of William Finn. By the end of the piece, many in the audience were visibly moved, their silent tears a reflection of collective memory and admiration. Through this tribute, the Applause Awards highlighted that musical theatre is not just entertainment, but it is an opportunity to be united through emotions, music, and passion.
Following this praise for theatre in various ways, the Applause Awards equally celebrates every aspect. While some people tend to admire the onstage talents, the production teams offstage often go underappreciated. Dr. Phillips Center ensures all work is valued equally, and takes the time to honor individuals from each winning high school for their outstanding designs. Although this may be an obvious and necessary recognition, the Dr. Phillips Center emphasizes the unseen work and talents to people who may not be as familiar with the performing arts. This is especially impactful for the younger viewers to understand the importance of acknowledging talent on and offstage, which will greatly shape the future for musical theatre.
As the Dr. Phillips Center is all for fostering talent and passion across Florida through opportunities, the Applause Awards has continued their generosity of awarding scholarships to college-bound students, aiding them with resources to support their education and careers in the arts. To date, the arts center has awarded more than $251,500 in scholarships through the Applause Awards program; they never fail to show their appreciation for all who made it possible to offer this money, and for the students that made it difficult for the selection process. However, audiences were pleasantly surprised to see the Dr. Phillips Center awarded a new scholarship: the Spirit of Dr. Phillips Center. In addition to the senior scholarships, freshman Josef Wright was honored as the Spirit of Dr. Phillips Center, one who exhibits the same morals as the arts center. With his lively character, Wright has noticeably extended his friendly hand to all he meets, furthering the acceptance and love that is frequently promoted by the Dr. Phillips Center. His persona and this new scholarship will lead future performers to follow the supporting nature of the arts center.
With each musical piece, shoutout, and scholarship, the energy of the performers and the audience members continues to rise as we all wonder who will represent Florida in the 2025 Jimmy Awards. Through an exhilarating and heartwarming reveal, it is announced that Sophomore Adam Bouchachia and Senior Suliette Ortiz have officially become the 2025 Applause Awards winners. Adam’s powerful voice and emotionally raw acting skills alongside Suliette's rich voice and compelling story telling abilities will no doubt be a crowd favorite at the Jimmy Awards. Their performances in the outstanding lead medleys was a short testament to their abilities, but it was more than just a snippet of a song; it was a story told through music and movement that conveyed true embodiment of their characters for all who were fortunate enough to witness it. In fact, all of the students and performers tonight were exceptional in their crafts, and the Dr. Phillips Center did an extraordinary job celebrating the talented youth in Florida.
While the 2025 Dr. Phillips Center Applause Awards was a high energy show, its overall intention of uniting and celebrating talent surely sparked passion in all who were present tonight. As the audience roared through the Walt Disney Theater, it wasn’t just for the performers—it was for the teachers, mentors, parents, legacies like Finn, and the community that continues to believe in the power of musical theatre. The night of the Applause Awards was not just about performing, but about reaffirming. It reaffirmed that art matters.
Young people matter.
When we give them a stage, they will flourish.
As the curtains closed on this unforgettable night, it is clear that the future of musical theatre is in talented, passionate, and supported hands.
(Walt Disney Theatre, Orlando FL) On May 31 2025, the night of the 2025 Applause Awards, the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center transformed into a place of talent and celebration. The 2025 Applause Awards, now in its 11th year, once again delivered a powerful evening that not only highlighted the extraordinary talents of young performers from across Central Florida, but also reflected the spirit of unity, resilience, and remembrance that defines the arts promoted by the Dr. Phillips Center. At its core, the Applause Awards is more than a regional showcase—it’s a beacon for young artists. Designed to honor outstanding achievements in high school musical theatre, the awards recognize students across multiple categories: performance, direction, choreography, technical execution, and ensemble work. Each school year, adjudicators evaluate productions across Florida and select standout individuals and groups amongst 39 participating high schools. But most importantly, the Applause Awards is a launchpad. Through workshops, mentorship from Broadway professionals, and the opportunity to qualify for the prestigious Jimmy Awards in New York City, this program encourages the belief that the arts are not only worthy of celebration, but rather they are essential to community, identity, and possibility. In just two weeks, the Applause Awards is created from start to finish through a grandiose manner to properly celebrate the successes of many young performers—which the Walt Disney Theater definitely accomplishes.
From the moment you step into the Walt Disney Theater, you are immediately greeted with the uplifting spirits of theatre. The orchestra playing infamous instrumental Broadway songs created a warm ambience for the evening, getting the audience excited for the ceremony of the night. Uniquely from other theatre showcases, the Applause Awards provides a welcoming preshow with live broadcasts run by the show’s cohost Emma Cate Davis, 2025 Jimmy Semi-finalist. Amongst interviews with sponsors and guests, Davis begins the night with a welcoming smile as she greets guests in the lobby. Once the show starts, the audience is pleased to be met with the lively energy of Host Michael James Scott, an Orlando native and Broadway star. His return to the stage was not just a homecoming but a full-circle moment, reflecting the program’s impact on local talent and its ability to inspire future generations. Scott’s charismatic stage presence continued to shine throughout the night, especially with the variety of bedazzled outfits he showcased with each stage entrance.
With all of the aesthetics of theatre, the Applause Awards is truly taken to the next level with its ability to direct, choreograph, and perform a variety of musical numbers. The opening number “Step Into Your Light” & Broadway Medley” by Rick Hip-Flores and John Mason III set the bar extremely high for the night. The smooth dance moves, clean formations, powerful vocals, and stage presence were complimented with the seamless light design and orchestrated music. With only two weeks of rehearsals, these outstanding lead performers brought their full energy and seized every moment they had onstage, which truly shows their pure passion for performing. Seeing these students performing at the same level of professionalism that is required for Broadway serves as a defining praise to Dr. Phillips for giving them the chance to show the world how powerful theatre can be. The 2025 Applause Awards maintained this high standard of performance throughout the night, thriving off their own successes and earned praises from the audience.
While every musical number was a production in itself, the number that stood out to me the most tonight was an ensemble piece that served as a tribute to William Finn, Tony award winning composer and lyricist, who had passed away in April. Instead of putting together a regular musical piece to follow the rest of the show, the directors and choreographers of Dr. Phillips Center intentionally chose to utilize the Outstanding Supporting Performers to honor Finn’s life and music. The performance was a beautiful fusion of movement and emotion, capturing the essence of Finn’s contributions to the arts and leaving a mark on all who witnessed it. As the lights dimmed and the music began, the audience was enveloped in a hushed reverence. The tribute wasn’t just a performance; it was a eulogy in motion. This honor greatly contributed to the overall theme of the night: performing is a celebration of music and life. Without any specific words regarding Finn, the original arrangement combined hope, sorrow, and remembrance of the hardships that comes with being an artist. By recognizing these aspects of the industry, this specific ensemble was able to convey the experience that many artists go through following this career. Each movement and formation was intentional; the final pose left an emotional impact as the performers stood silently in the shape of a “W” in memory of William Finn. By the end of the piece, many in the audience were visibly moved, their silent tears a reflection of collective memory and admiration. Through this tribute, the Applause Awards highlighted that musical theatre is not just entertainment, but it is an opportunity to be united through emotions, music, and passion.
Following this praise for theatre in various ways, the Applause Awards equally celebrates every aspect. While some people tend to admire the onstage talents, the production teams offstage often go underappreciated. Dr. Phillips Center ensures all work is valued equally, and takes the time to honor individuals from each winning high school for their outstanding designs. Although this may be an obvious and necessary recognition, the Dr. Phillips Center emphasizes the unseen work and talents to people who may not be as familiar with the performing arts. This is especially impactful for the younger viewers to understand the importance of acknowledging talent on and offstage, which will greatly shape the future for musical theatre.
As the Dr. Phillips Center is all for fostering talent and passion across Florida through opportunities, the Applause Awards has continued their generosity of awarding scholarships to college-bound students, aiding them with resources to support their education and careers in the arts. To date, the arts center has awarded more than $251,500 in scholarships through the Applause Awards program; they never fail to show their appreciation for all who made it possible to offer this money, and for the students that made it difficult for the selection process. However, audiences were pleasantly surprised to see the Dr. Phillips Center awarded a new scholarship: the Spirit of Dr. Phillips Center. In addition to the senior scholarships, freshman Josef Wright was honored as the Spirit of Dr. Phillips Center, one who exhibits the same morals as the arts center. With his lively character, Wright has noticeably extended his friendly hand to all he meets, furthering the acceptance and love that is frequently promoted by the Dr. Phillips Center. His persona and this new scholarship will lead future performers to follow the supporting nature of the arts center.
With each musical piece, shoutout, and scholarship, the energy of the performers and the audience members continues to rise as we all wonder who will represent Florida in the 2025 Jimmy Awards. Through an exhilarating and heartwarming reveal, it is announced that Sophomore Adam Bouchachia and Senior Suliette Ortiz have officially become the 2025 Applause Awards winners. Adam’s powerful voice and emotionally raw acting skills alongside Suliette's rich voice and compelling story telling abilities will no doubt be a crowd favorite at the Jimmy Awards. Their performances in the outstanding lead medleys was a short testament to their abilities, but it was more than just a snippet of a song; it was a story told through music and movement that conveyed true embodiment of their characters for all who were fortunate enough to witness it. In fact, all of the students and performers tonight were exceptional in their crafts, and the Dr. Phillips Center did an extraordinary job celebrating the talented youth in Florida.
While the 2025 Dr. Phillips Center Applause Awards was a high energy show, its overall intention of uniting and celebrating talent surely sparked passion in all who were present tonight. As the audience roared through the Walt Disney Theater, it wasn’t just for the performers—it was for the teachers, mentors, parents, legacies like Finn, and the community that continues to believe in the power of musical theatre. The night of the Applause Awards was not just about performing, but about reaffirming. It reaffirmed that art matters.
Young people matter.
When we give them a stage, they will flourish.
As the curtains closed on this unforgettable night, it is clear that the future of musical theatre is in talented, passionate, and supported hands.
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