Durham Performing Arts Center, in conjunction with Theatre in the Park and Playmakers Repertory Company, are seeking entries for the 2013 Triangle Rising Star Awards, an education initiative celebrating students who excel in their high school musical.

This year, the Triangle Rising Star Awards will select Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Production and Best Chorus Ensemble through an audition process from participating high schools’ musicals in the 2012-13 season. Teachers must first submit an Intent to Participate Form, and then mail the requested package (including a recent headshot and résumé of the entrant formatted to the contest’s provided template) to DPAC by Feb. 22.

Judges will attend the various high schools’ musical theater productions. The top submissions will be selected and invited back on June 1 to a closed audition where they will be judged by a selection committee. On June 2, there will be a ticketed Triangle Rising Stars event at DPAC where Best Actor and Actress will be announced. They will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.

These two top Triangle students will then compete in the National High School Musical Theater Awards at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre July 1. The two winners will receive a trip to New York which includes master classes and private coaching from theater professionals. In addition, they will have the opportunity to be seen by casting agents, meet and converse with Broadway actors, perform on a Broadway stage and compete for scholarships and other prizes.

The Triangle Rising Star Awards are held in conjunction with the National High School Musical Theater Awards, a national celebration of outstanding student achievement in high school musical theater. Established by Nederlander Alliances and Pittsburgh CLO, the program recognizes individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performance, as well as honors teachers and their schools’ commitment to excellence in performing arts education.