BUFORD — Fifteen years after its founding, the Shuler Awards continue to serve as a defining stage for high school performers across Georgia. They celebrate excellence in musical theater and spotlight emerging talent from across the state.
The 18th annual ceremony is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The event will also be broadcast live on Georgia Public Broadcasting, allowing audiences statewide to tune in.
This year’s program features participation from 75 schools, underscoring the depth and diversity of Georgia’s high school theater community. Nominations, announced in March, include standout performers and productions from schools such as Buford High School, Allatoona High School and Milton High School. These categories recognize leading and supporting roles, as well as technical and production excellence.
Presented by the ArtsBridge Foundation, the Shuler Awards honor student achievement across all aspects of musical theater. The program is named for Shuler Hensley, an Atlanta native and Tony Award-winning actor. His career reflects the level of excellence the awards aim to inspire.
Buford High School earned multiple nominations this year, including recognition in direction, choreography, ensemble performance, lighting and overall production. Students Christopher Rischar and Lily Wiginton were also nominated for their supporting-role performances.
Vincenzo Fuoco, along with the Buford ensemble, advanced as semifinalists and participated in additional auditions in hopes of reaching the final round. Fuoco was later named an honorable mention. Meanwhile, Buford’s overall production advanced as an official nominee.
“It is incredibly special to be nominated in so many areas for the Shuler Awards,” said Ms. Leila Bowman, BHS theatre director. “These recognitions go beyond acting categories — they also celebrate our technical students, whose work is being honored across the state. Out of 67 participating schools in Georgia, being named one of six finalists selected to perform on the Cobb Energy Centre stage is an extraordinary achievement.”
In preparation for the awards ceremony, Buford’s theater program will take part in additional rehearsals leading up to its featured performance piece, “Run, Freedom, Run.”
The Shuler Awards remain one of the state’s most prestigious platforms for student performers. They offer not only recognition but also opportunities for growth, collaboration and exposure at a professional level.
“This group of students is electric,” Bowman said. “They light up the stage while also dedicating countless hours of hard work behind the scenes. A show lives or dies on the strength of its ensemble, and every member of this company gives their full effort to the work. It is truly a privilege to work with these young artists, and I am excited to see what the future holds for each of them.”
Buford’s continued presence among the nominees reflects both the strength of its program and the commitment of its students to excellence on and off the stage.
One note: the story says 75 schools participated, but Bowman’s quote says 67 participating schools. You may want to verify which number is correct before publication.
