Twenty-eight high schools from across the state will be competing in the second annual Utah High School Musical Theater Awards Night to be held Saturday, March 31 starting at 7 p.m. in the Utah State University Kent Concert Hall.

Vanessa Ballam of Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, which sponsored and organized the event, says the months of preparation will culminate on this red-carpet evening hosted by Michael Ballam, founder and general director of the UFOMT.

On KVNU’s Crosstalk show Monday, Ballam said there will be live performances and awards will be presented in several categories.

“The organization is called the National High School Music Theater Awards, otherwise known as the Jimmy Awards,” Ballam explained. “They happen in New York City in June.

“Our winners for best actor and best actress for the state of Utah will go and represent us in June in New York City. They will spend a week working with Broadway directors, choreographers, vocal coaches and they’ll rehearse their own awards show.”

Ballam said while the program is competitive, the high schools students are supportive of each other and it is a chance to celebrate excellence.

For more information about the awards ceremony, performance times and prices, visit <a href=”http://www.ufoc.org/index.php?p_resource=education_uhsmta” target=”_blank”>www.ufoc.org</a>.