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2026 Blumey Awards Student Reporter Program

The Blumey Award Student Reporter Program is a media-training and competition program connected to the Blumey Awards, Charlotte’s high school musical theater awards. The program selects a small group of students who want to explore journalism, broadcast, and digital media. These students receive professional training, attend local high school musical productions, create different types of reviews, and compete for the title of Best Student Reporter.

What does the winner recieve?

  • A student spotlight or feature on a local media platform.
  • Opportunity to join Blumenthal’s media team to cover tech rehearsals (May 10–16, 2026) and the Blumey Awards ceremony (May 17, 2026).
  • The Student Reporter Blumey Award trophy, presented at the ceremony.
  • Eligibility to compete in the Jimmy Awards Student Reporter Search and the chance for an all-expenses-paid trip to NYC for the June 2026 Jimmy Awards.

Program Goals

  • Help students build real-world journalism and media skills.
  • Connect young reporters with professionals working in the field.
  • Highlight student voices within the local arts community.
  • Offer a pathway to the national Jimmy Awards Student Reporter Search.

Eligibility

  • Students must apply for a spot in the program.
  • Applicants must be in 9th-12th grade.
  • Students cast in principle & supporting roles in a Blumey participating high school musical production are NOT eligible to apply.
  • 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
  • Any student that meets the above requirements may participate in the Student Reporter program and is eligible for the Student Reporter Blumey Award. Only students attending a school with a musical in the Blumey Awards may be considered for the Jimmy Awards. 

Program Commitment

Students accepted into the program MUST commit to the following:

  • Attendance at the Student Reporter Workshop on Sunday, January 25, 2026 - 1-4pm at a Blumenthal Arts venue in Uptown Charlotte.
  • Attendance at three assigned high school musical theater performances in the Charlotte region between February 5 - April 18, 2026.
  • Submission of a theatrical review for the three corresponding shows above – one submission following a traditional print media format and two utilizing new media
  • Submission of a one-minute student reporter video pitch.
  • Meeting prescribed deadlines for submission of adjudicated materials.

Application Process

To be considered for participation, students must submit the following items to Blumenthal’s Education Department no later than Monday, January 5, 2026 by 5pm:

  • a completed application form
  • a one-page writing sample (essay, report, article or critical review, etc.)
  • an up to one-page summary of your interest in media studies, journalism, podcasting, creative content, reporting, etc.
  • a completed teacher recommendation form