Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) have announce the 8th annual High School Musical Theater Awards (HSMTA) nominations. Two Plano ISD senior high schools have been nominated in seven categories:

• Best choreography: Plano Senior High School – Mamma Mia!
• Best direction: Plano West Senior High School – Gypsy 
• Best lighting design: Plano West Senior High School – Gypsy 
• Best musical: Plano West Senior High School – Gypsy 
• Best scenic design: Plano Senior High School – Mamma Mia!
• Best supporting actress: Lilly Johnson, Plano Senior High School – Mamma Mia!  
• Best technical execution: Plano West Senior High School – Gypsy 

The DSM HSMTA aim to inspire and honor excellence in high school musical theater, and to recognize the importance of musical theater and arts education in the North Texas community. A panel of adjudicators attends one production at each participating school, provides educational feedback and determines nominees and awards for participating schools. A total of 63 amazing performances from 60 participating high schools were evaluated by a three-judge panel of entertainment industry professionals and veteran educators for the 2018-2019 school year.

The DSM HSMTA celebrate the power of the arts and the ability of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. The awards recognize the artistic and educational achievements of North Texas students and their high school programs. On May 9, an awards ceremony, modeled after the Tony Awards®, will take place at the Music Hall to recognize these outstanding musical theater productions and students. The winners in the Best Actor and Best Actress category will have the opportunity to participate in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City.