Coral Springs area high school theater programs earn widespread recognition with dozens of nominations for the 2025 Cappies Awards
Coral Springs, Florida – The spotlight is on Coral Springs as local high school theater programs rake in a wave of recognition heading into the 2025 Cappies Awards, with dozens of nominations announced for standout performances across several area schools.
Student actors, singers, dancers, and crew members from Coral Springs high schools are being honored for their contributions to high school theater in South Florida, where the Cappies Awards serve as the region’s top celebration of student talent. The 23rd annual awards ceremony will take place Tuesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.
Leading the way is Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which earned 21 nominations for its production of Alice By Heart. The show tied for the most musical nominations this year, sharing that distinction with Hadestown: Teen Edition from NSU University School. The nominations for Douglas High spanned a variety of categories, including ensemble, choreography, orchestra, and numerous individual acting and technical roles.
J.P. Taravella High School also made a strong showing with 13 nominations for its production of The Wizard of Oz. The school received recognition in categories such as lead actor and actress, dancer, costume design, and senior critic.
Coral Glades High School was nominated in eight categories for its comedic play Puffs, which celebrates the often-overlooked characters in a magical world. Its nominations include comedic performances, featured roles, props, and ensemble work — highlighting the creativity and humor the cast brought to the stage.
Meanwhile, Coral Springs High School earned four nominations for its musical EMMA! A Pop Musical, with students being recognized for lead actress, dancer, and set design.
The Cappies Awards, often compared to Broadway’s Tony Awards, celebrate excellence in student theater across Broward and Palm Beach counties. This year, 28 schools will compete in 49 different categories covering everything from acting and directing to technical theater, writing, and criticism.
One of the defining features of the Cappies is its peer-review process. Student critics from participating schools attend performances at other schools, write detailed reviews, and select nominees and winners based on their observations. The reviews are later edited by theater teachers and published on FloridaTheaterOnStage.com, giving students a real-world glimpse into arts journalism and criticism.
“The Cappies gives students an opportunity not only to showcase their talent but to celebrate one another,” said a spokesperson from the local program. “It’s about lifting each other up and recognizing how powerful and transformative high school theater can be.”
With the ceremony just days away, excitement is building among students, families, and faculty. Many see the nominations not just as awards, but as a celebration of months of hard work, late-night rehearsals, and the joy of live performance.
For more details on the upcoming event and a full list of nominees, visit Cappies.com/sfc.
