The Cappies is a US IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization filing under EIN 31-1803517
SCHOOL APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED
CURRENT REVIEWS NOW AVAILABLE
AWARDS PREVIOUS SEASON
CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE
The Cappies is a writing and awards program that trains high school theatre and journalism students to be expert writers, critical thinkers, and leaders. Student critics vie to be published in local media outlets by attending productions at other schools and writing critical reviews.
Theatre and journalism students are trained as critics and attend each others shows. Cappies students discuss and learn about theatre production. Throughout the year, newspapers publish the reviews with the students' bylines. At the end of the year, Cappies student critics decide who among their peer performers and technicians should be recognized for awards at the end of the season with glamour and excitement.
Each participating school selects a show to be attended, and also forms a team of 3 to 9 student critics and 2 adult volunteers in the fall. Shows may have between 20 and 90 critics in attendance. Critic teams and mentors gather in a private discussion room to perform pre, mid, and post show discussions. The technical and performance aspects of the show are discussed with provided documentation from the host school.
After each show, with adult oversight, the mentors and program director select the best written reviews to be sent to local press outlets. All the reviews are also sent back to the performing school.
At the end of the season, a Tonys-like celebration occurs, where all nominated shows perform a cutting or the critics' choice song, and the final Cappies awards are presented with a trophy by regional critics and peers.
After a great year, our 2023 nominees are now announced! Please see the 2023 Season Critic Awards page for the full list.
Please see the official 2023 Gala Information page for information on how to get tickets, who will be performing, etc.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, June 12th at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall where we will announce the winners from each category, and celebrate the past season of shows!
Best Written Reviews for Good News performed at Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia. Reviewed ...
Best Written Reviews for Titanic performed at Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia. Reviewed on M...
Best Written Reviews for Phantom performed at South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia. Reviewed...
Meridian High School in Falls Church, Virginia, presented “The Love Doctor” to the Cappies Critics...
Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, Virginia, presented “Mean Girls High School Version” to the ...
Best Written Reviews for Guys and Dolls performed at Herndon High School in Herndon, Virginia. Revi...
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