Playhouse Square announced nominees for the 2026 Dazzle Awards on April 28, with the annual ceremony recognizing outstanding high school musical theater performances across Northeast Ohio set for May 16 at the KeyBank State Theatre in Cleveland. This year’s program reached a record 44 high schools across seven counties, with awards to be presented in 15 categories spanning performance, technical execution, scenic design, and costume design.

The ceremony will be hosted by Fox 8’s Natalie Herbick and directed by Broadway’s Connor Gallagher. Beyond onstage nominees, the program involves Musical Apprentices, Technical Apprentices, and Student Reporters who work alongside professional directors, musicians, designers, and media professionals throughout the competition season. The event includes a PNC Red Carpet arrival and student performances on a Playhouse Square stage.

Winners of the Best Actor and Best Actress categories will go on to represent Northeast Ohio at The Jimmy Awards at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City in June. The 2026 Dazzle Awards are presented by Pat and John Chapman. Tickets are available at playhousesquare.org or by calling 216-241-6000. The KeyBank State Theatre is at 1519 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland.

Source: Playhouse Square