A Peek Behind The Curtain of the Country’s Largest Performing Arts Education & Scholarship Program
The Joci Awards program celebrates and supports high school musical theater education across San Antonio and South Texas, providing scholarships, training, and performance opportunities to inspire the next generation of artists and highlight the transformative impact of arts education. The Joci Awards go beyond artistic excellence, equipping students from San Antonio to the Lower Rio Grande Valley with skills for success on and off the stage.
The Joci Awards is the premier talent-based scholarship and educational program for performing arts students spanning from San Antonio to the Lower Rio Grande Valley
As the single largest initiative of its kind in the United States, the Joci Awards serves as an official Regional Awards Program for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City. Unlike traditional arts scholarships that are often limited to those pursuing arts degrees, the Joci Awards supports any field of study, empowering students to follow their dreams wherever they may lead. This unique approach is rooted in the Majestic Empire Foundation's belief that arts education builds foundational skills—confidence, resilience, problem-solving, and leadership—that are vital for success in any career path.
The Joci Awards is the culmination of a year-long program featuring over 500 hours of free workshops and advanced training led by Broadway professionals and esteemed teaching artists
These intensive sessions provide students with the critical skills they need for success both on stage and beyond, cultivating talents in communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. For many participants, the Joci Awards is their first experience with professional arts training—an opportunity that removes cost barriers and ensures that every student, regardless of background, has the chance to pursue their passions. This transformative journey not only prepares them for the spotlight but also opens doors to higher education and future careers.
Save the Date: April 13, 2025
In 2025, the Joci Awards will move to the historic Majestic Theatre, tripling its reach and impact to reach 3,000 students yearlong. The addition of a new “Best High School Musical” category will expand the program to honor entire high school programs, awarding a $10,000 prize to the winning school.
MEF fills the gap left by ongoing funding cuts by offering high-quality arts training at no cost, ensuring students in underserved districts have access to these vital programs. Each participating school also benefits financially from their involvement in the Joci Awards, gaining increased visibility which leads directly to enhanced financial district support for their theater arts programs—critical resources in light of recent funding cuts approved for arts education in the FY '25 House Appropriations Bill.