The Majestic Empire Foundation’s flagship education and scholarship initiative has awarded over $1.6 million in scholarships, providing transformative support for high school students of all socioeconomic backgrounds across South Texas. Throughout the fall and spring, MEF engages students and educators through in-school and on-site programming, with adjudication of high school musicals taking place across the season. Auditions for the showcase are held in February, and finalists are announced by mid-March. Selected students and participating high school programs then join an intensive, week-long Broadway Bootcamp—held outside of school hours—that replicates the professional rehearsal process. Under the guidance of Broadway-caliber instructors, choreographers, and production teams, they prepare for the Joci Awards Showcase, a one-night-only, Broadway-level performance in April 2025 at the historic Majestic Theatre. Each participant receives a minimum $3,000 scholarship to support their pursuit of higher education or professional training, regardless of their chosen field, and the top two performers advance to represent South Texas at the prestigious Jimmy Awards in New York City.

The scholarship program culminates in the Joci (pronounced JAW-SEE) Awards, a one-night-only, Broadway-level performance in April 2025 at the historic Majestic Theatre. Each participant receives a minimum $3,000 scholarship to support their pursuit of higher education or professional training, regardless of their chosen field, and the top two performers advance to represent South Texas at the prestigious Jimmy Awards in New York City.

Jocelyn ‘Joci’ Straus, the moving force behind the restoration of the Majestic and Charline McCombs Empire Theatres, founded Las Casas and spearheaded the effort to raise more than $10 million for the restoration of both theatres. After founding Las Casas in 1988, Straus led fundraising and restoration efforts that allowed the Majestic renovation to be completed in just 11 months. She then worked to raise the funds necessary to restore the Empire Theatre, which reopened in 1998 after being dark for 25 years.

The Majestic Empire Foundation will award at over $200,000 -- a record high for our program!

No. Applicants may only apply in one (1) category. We recommend selecting the category in which you feel strongest in competing. You can choose from acting, singing, dancing, technical theatre, communications or Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress if we've come to adjudicate your high school musical.

This year, 43 individual finalists will be selected across categories and the top five scoring high schools will be finalists.

Not necessarily. The number of finalists selected from each category varies each year based on highest scores and where natural breaks in scoring occur. The number of total applicants in each category may also be taken into consideration.

No. All five categories (Vocal, Acting, Dance, Best Lead Actor in a Musical and Best Lead Actress in a Musical) of The Majestic Empire Foundation’s Performing Arts Scholarship Program are open to students in grades 9-12. Please note that Best Lead Actress and Best Lead Actor applicants must be playing a Jimmy Awards-qualifying role in their high school musical during the  school year and must have their high school production adjudicated. If you’re unsure if your high school production is scheduled to be adjudicated, please contact us.

No, you don’t have to be planning to major in theater, music, or any other arts-related field to apply! The Joci Awards scholarships support any area of study because we believe the skills you gain through performing arts—such as confidence, creativity, and communication—will serve you in whatever career path you choose. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor, engineer, teacher, or anything else, we’re here to help you achieve your goals!

No, you don’t have to pursue theater to accept the scholarship! The Joci Awards scholarships are designed to support any field of study because we believe that the skills and experiences gained through the arts can benefit all career paths. Whether you’re planning to study business, science, education, or anything else, this scholarship is here to help you succeed and achieve your dreams.

No, scholarship funds are not given as a check on the night of the awards. Instead, the scholarship is sent directly to the college, university, or educational institution you choose to attend. This ensures that your scholarship goes toward supporting your educational goals and helps cover tuition or related expenses when you’re ready to start your next chapter!

No, you don’t have to attend a traditional college to use the scholarship! The Joci Awards supports a variety of educational paths, including vocational schools, technical programs, conservatories, and other accredited institutions. Our goal is to help you pursue the educational journey that’s right for you, whether that’s in the arts or another field. As long as it’s an accredited program, you can use your scholarship to fuel your passion and reach your career goals!

Getting your high school involved is easy! Start by talking to your theater teacher, fine arts director, or school counselor about the Joci Awards and share information about the program. Encourage them to reach out to The Majestic Empire Foundation for more details on how the school can participate, access resources, and take advantage of free workshops and training opportunities. Your school can also benefit from professional development for educators and the chance to connect students with valuable performance and scholarship opportunities. Taking the first step can open doors for your entire school community!

The Joci Awards judges are industry professionals and experts in the performing arts, including directors, producers, educators, and seasoned performers. Each judge brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for talent, evaluating students on performance, technique, creativity, and overall stage presence. The panel is dedicated to providing constructive feedback and recognizing the unique strengths of each participant, ensuring a fair and inspiring experience for all students.