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Ben Vereen Awards Will Honor San Diego's High School Theater Performers

Ben Vereen Awards Seeks Top High School Theater Performers In San Diego County

Broadway star and Tony Award winner Ben Vereen is in San Diego for the 2nd Annual Ben Vereen Awards.

The competition is looking for the top male and female high school theater performers in San Diego County. Nominees will be announced Tuesday.

Ten semi-finalists will go on to compete in the Southwest Regionals in Tucson, Arizona. Two talented students will get to progress to the National High School Musical Theater Awards, being held at a Broadway Theatre in New York. They'll have a chance to win a $10,000 college scholarship.

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The contest added an essay category this year focused on health, self-esteem and bullying issues.

"I am so pleased to be working with Broadway/San Diego and the community again this year on something that's dear to my heart: helping our young people to change their life for the better through the performing arts," Vereen said in a news release.

"I'm hoping that the national high school champions will come from my region, and look forward to supporting their journey."

Sixteen San Diego County high schools are participating in the competition. The Ben Vereen Awards will be on April 26 at the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego.