2027 Blumey Inspire Scholars Program

Blumey Inspire Logo.png

The Blumey Inspire Scholars program helps bridge access gaps, uplifting students to excel in their artistic pursuits, by offering advanced training opportunities to students attending high schools that do not participate in the Blumey Awards. Students must audition to receive a spot in the annual program cohort. Accepted students gain access to the Blumey Awards workshop and masterclass series, Blumey Bootcamp, feedback from judges/industry professionals, and the opportunity to perform on the Belk Stage during the Blumey Awards ceremony. Blumey Inspire Program students are not eligible to receive Blumey Awards or to compete at the Jimmy Awards.

Important Dates

  • 2026-27 Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
  • Auditions: Monday, October 26, 2026 4:00-8:00
    Applicants will receive a link to sign up for an audition slot.
  • Placement Emails Sent by November 2, 2026

Eligibility

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 9th-12th 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, Stanly, Union
    • South Carolina:  Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster, York

Program Commitment

Program Commitment

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

 

Education Series

Program participants must attend the Blumey Education series workshops and masterclasses on the following dates:

  • Monday, October 26, 2026 5:30-8:30 pm
  • Monday, November 9, 2026 5:30-8:30 pm
  • Monday, December 7, 2026 5:30-8:30 pm
  • Sunday, January 10, 2027 OR Sunday, January 31, 2027 1:00-4:00 pm 
  • Monday, January 26, 2027 5:30-8:30 pm
  • Monday, February 1, 2027 5:30-8:30 pm

Blumey Bootcamp

Program participants must attend a three-day intensive bootcamp, April 28-30, 2027, 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 2, 2027, 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 16 from 1:00-7:00 PM
  • Monday, May 17 from 5:00-9:30 PM
  • Tuesday, May 18 from 5:00-9:30 PM
  • Wednesday, May 19 from 5:00-9:30 PM
  • Thursday, May 20 from 5:00-9:30 PM
  • Saturday, May 22 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
  • Sunday, May 23 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.

Blumey Awards Education Series

2026-2027 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!

 

Acting Intensive Masterclass

Work alongside a Broadway professional to strengthen your acting craft through character analysis, emotional authenticity, and performance techniques. Explore how to create compelling, truthful characters while developing sustainable practices that support your vocal, physical, and emotional well-being as an actor.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

Have questions? Contact the Education Team at blumeyawards@blumenthalarts.org.