By: Najla Alexander
Carteret officials announced that the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center will present the second edition of the Carteret PAC Central Jersey Marquee Awards on May 15.
The prestigious event is dedicated to recognizing excellence in high school musical theater, officials said.
This year, officials say, the Carteret PAC Central Jersey Marquee Awards is expanding its scope by including schools from Somerset County, amplifying its commitment to applauding and fostering talent and accomplishment in high school musical theater across Central Jersey.
The program sets out to acknowledge students involved in a spectrum of roles, both on and off the stage, with a grand total of 20 categories slated for adjudication and presentation during the ceremony, officials said.
In a commitment to fostering inclusivity, the program organizers are pleased to announce that participation is offered without charge to schools.
According to officials, the first 50 high schools in Middlesex and Somerset Counties are invited to apply through a user-friendly online application available on the CPAC website, ensuring a diverse range of participants.
Upon confirmation by the program manager, three skilled adjudicators from the Marquee Awards will be dispatched to attentively observe, evaluate, and offer constructive feedback for each submitted musical production, officials stated.
Officials say schools must stage a musical between February 1 and April 14 to be eligible for consideration, and nominations will be announced online on April 29.
Adjudicators hail from a pool of local theater professionals, performing artists, teaching artists, designers, and technicians who will attend each school's musical and provide scores and feedback that adhere to the Carteret PAC Central Jersey Marquee Awards standards.
Officials say by providing scores and feedback to the participating schools, the goal is to boost attention and growth of Central Jersey high school theater programs.
The program will culminate with a red carpet-celebration on the Carteret PAC stage. Nominated schools and students will rehearse during the day and perform at a Tony Awards-style ceremony on May 15, according to officials.
Officials said the event will highlight numbers from the nominated shows and award the performers, directors, choreographers, orchestras, and designers who have expressed excellence during the 2024 musical season.
"As The Central Jersey Marquee Awards enters its second year, we're thrilled to continue championing these students' vibrant talent," the honorable Mayor Daniel J Reiman said.
"Building upon the success of last year's program, we look forward to another year of inspiring performances, uniting schools, and elevating dreams in the heart of the arts!"
The Carteret PAC Central Jersey Marquee Awards is seeking evaluators to review and critique schools entered into the program.
Interested parties should send their resume to Education@carteretpac.com, officials say. 
Carteret officials said candidates must be willing to attend at least four shows between February 1 and April 14.
All evaluators will receive complimentary tickets to the school shows being evaluated, as well as to the awards ceremony, officials said.
Officials stated applicants must be computer literate with their own means of transportation, and a stipend of $40 per show evaluated, plus mileage reimbursement, is payable after the May 15 ceremony.