North Carolina high school students compete for DPAC's 2026 Rising Star Award
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Durham Performing Arts Center is set to spotlight some of central North Carolina's top student performers at the annual DPAC Rising Star Awards.
The event celebrates outstanding achievement in high school musical theater, recognizing students and school productions from across the region.
This year's ceremony will feature performances from 20 finalists competing live on stage for top honors, including Best Actor and Best Actress. Winners receive scholarship prizes and advance to the national National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, in New York City.
In addition to individual awards, the program honors excellence across more than a dozen performance and technical categories, highlighting the work of students and educators both onstage and behind the scenes.
The ceremony takes place at DPAC in downtown Durham Sunday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m.
2026 Finalists
DPAC says adjudicators reviewed dozens of high school productions and selected finalists across multiple categories, including:
- Best Actor finalists (20 students competing live)
- Best Actress finalists (20 students competing live)
- Best Musical finalists
- Best Ensemble finalists
- Best Student Production category finalists
Finalists for Best Actor and Best Actress will perform live during the ceremony, with two winners advancing to the national competition.
The Rising Star Awards, launched in 2010, have become a major showcase for young talent in central North Carolina and a stepping stone for students pursuing careers in the arts.
ABC11 is a proud sponsor of this event.
