The Cecelia Ball is the culminating celebration of the educational theatre season, bringing together students, educators, families, and arts supporters for an unforgettable evening of recognition and performance. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, special showcase performances from nominated productions, final performances by select nominees, and the presentation of the Cecelia Awards honoring excellence in educational theatre. Join us as we celebrate the creativity, dedication, and achievements of the remarkable student artists who make theatre come alive.
What to Expect
The Cecelia Ball is more than an awards ceremony it's a celebration of the students, educators, and communities that make educational theatre possible. Guests can expect an evening filled with live performances, recognition of outstanding student achievement, and memorable moments as schools from across Orange County come together to celebrate a shared passion for the arts. Whether you're a nominee, educator, parent, or theatre supporter, the Cecelia Ball promises an inspiring night dedicated to honoring creativity, dedication, and excellence on and off the stage.
Date
May 28, 2027
Time
7:00pm-9:00pm
Location
TBA
Sample Schedule
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Students nominated as Cecelia Star Finalists in the categories of Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Female Vocalist must arrive at the Cecelia Ball venue by 3:00 PM. Finalists should arrive dressed in stage blacks and prepared to present their selected monologue or vocal performance before the judging panel. These final performances will determine the recipient of each award and are designed to highlight the student's talent, artistry, and stage presence without the aid of costumes, scenery, or elaborate production elements. Following adjudication, finalists will participate in a rehearsal for the opening number of the Cecelia Ball.
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Students nominated for Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Female Vocalist will participate in the Cecelia Star Medley, a special featured performance during the Cecelia Ball.
Participants should arrive at 4:00 PM for a brief rehearsal, during which each nominee will rehearse a short selection from their nominated vocal performance. The rehearsal is expected to last approximately 45 minutes and will provide students with an opportunity to become familiar with staging, entrances, exits, and performance expectations.
Following rehearsal, students will be released to prepare for the evening's festivities and awards ceremony. The Cecelia Star Medley serves as a celebration of the outstanding vocal talent recognized throughout the season and offers nominees the opportunity to showcase their artistry one final time before the awards are presented.
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Schools selected to perform at the Cecelia Ball will have the opportunity to showcase their production through a special five-minute performance. These performances are intended to celebrate the artistry and achievements of nominated productions while providing audiences with a glimpse into the outstanding work being created throughout the season.
Performing schools should arrive at their designated call time prepared to rehearse and perform. Musical productions may present a single musical number or a condensed medley, while play productions may perform a scene or a compilation of scenes not exceeding five minutes in length. Costumes, props, and minimal scenic elements are permitted but not required. The focus of the showcase should remain on storytelling, performance, and the talents of the student artists.
Schools are responsible for providing, transporting, setting up, and removing any costumes, props, or scenic pieces used during their performance. All materials must be removed from the venue following the conclusion of the Cecelia Ball.
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The Cecelia Ball is an unforgettable evening dedicated to celebrating the stars of educational theatre. Featuring live performances, finalist showcases, red carpet moments, and the presentation of the Cecelia Awards, the event honors the outstanding achievements of students and educators from across the region. Join us for a night of inspiration, recognition, and celebration as we bring the theatre community together to close out an incredible season.