2026 Blumey Inspire Scholars Program

• 2025-26 Application Deadline: November 21, 2025
• Auditions: Monday, December 1, 2025 5:00-9:00
  Applicants will receive a link to sign up for an audition slot.
• Placement Emails Sent: November 22, 2025

Program Participation

1. Students must apply and audition for a spot in the program.
   • Applicants must provide a performance resume and recommendation letter as a part of their digital application.
   • Applicants must present a 16-32 bar audition selection, from a musical, during the auditions.
   • Applicants will participate in a group dance call and combination as a part of the audition process.
2. Applicants must be in 9^th-12^th grade and attend a high school that is not participating in the Blumey Awards.
3. Applicants must attend high school in one of the following counties:
   • North Carolina:  Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanley, Union
   • South Carolina:  Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster, York

Program Commitment

Students selected for the Blumey Inspire Scholars Program must be available to attend Blumey Bootcamp, Adjudication, and must be able to meet all Blumey Award Ceremony requirements outlined below:

 

Blumey Bootcamp

Program participants will be invited to attend a three-day intensive bootcamp, during the week of April 28, that includes voice, acting, and dance training with industry professionals to prepare them for the second round of adjudication. The three-day intensive will take place at Central Piedmont Community College; full details will be provided in advance. Schools must be willing to excuse daytime absences for students attending the intensive; an excused absence request letter will be provided.

 

Adjudication

Program participants must be available for auditions on May 3, 2026, following the bootcamp week. Students will be provided with an audition time slot and will be adjudicated by a panel of industry professionals such as casting associates, agents, actors, directors, and producers. Students will individually slate and perform a 16-32 bar selection.

 

Blumey Award Ceremony

Blumey Inspire Program students will perform in The Blumey Awards Ceremony and are required to attend all tentatively scheduled rehearsals during the week prior to the event.

• Sunday, May 10 from 1:00-7:00 PM
• Monday, May 11 from 5:00-9:30 PM
• Tuesday, May 12 from 5:00-9:30 PM
• Wednesday, May 13 from 5:00-9:30 PM
• Thursday, May 14 from 5:00-9:30 PM
• Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
• Sunday, May 17 from 10:00 am-5:00 PM plus 6:00 PM call time for 7:00 PM Performance

*Students will not be called for every rehearsal time but MUST have full availability for all dates and times above.

2025-2026 Blumey Awards Education Series

Students accepted in the Blumey Inspire Scholars cohort will have access to all workshops and masterclasses offered in the Blumey Awards Education series, including: 

 

Stage Combat

Productions, such as The Outsiders, highlight the impact of masterfully choreographed stage combat. Explore the excitement of stage combat - keeping it safe while making it look real!

 

Physical Theater

Explore the power of the body as your primary storytelling tool in this dynamic workshop that emphasizes non-verbal communication, character creation through movement, and the fundamentals of physical storytelling.

 

My Director Made Me Dance

Learn the basic skills to feel comfortable dancing in a musical production even if you “aren’t a dancer”. Discover your confidence to be back (or front!) row during those big choreo moments!

 

Dance Intensive Masterclass

Challenge yourself with a dance masterclass led by a Broadway performer! In addition to a fun and challenging class, the instructor will share insight into the physical demands of Broadway touring along with tips and tricks for self-care. This session is advanced and best suited for students with prior dance experience only.

 

Upping Your Audition: Refining Your Audition Packet

Work with Broadway professionals to refine your audition approach to best highlight your unique strengths while gaining insight into the best practices to ensure your audition packet is uniquely your own.

 

Industry Workshop: Resumes and Headshots

Students in qualifying roles for Best Actor and Best Actress are invited to an interactive workshop to curate a headshot and resume that best represents the student as a young performer.  This will be a working session; students should bring their own laptop or tablet to work on their resume in real time. A resume template will be provided for those seeking help with formatting. A photographer will offer free mini sessions, providing 1-2 digital headshots per student. The panel will walk through the steps of compiling a headshot and resume that can be used for Blumey Award participation and/or future auditions.