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STUDENT REPORTER SEARCH

The Kelli O'Hara program has introduced the Student Reporter Award, designed to engage students who are not participating in performance award categories. This initiative seeks to foster connections with local schools' journalism, film, and related departments. Two nominees selected by the Kelli O'Hara Awards will gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to document and showcase "The Kellis" during Kelli's Week on OKC Broadway's social media channels. These nominees will then progress to the next stage of the Jimmy Awards' Student Reporter Search, with the potential to cover the 2025 Jimmy Awards in New York City. To learn more about the Jimmy Awards Student Reporter Search visit the Jimmy's website.

GUIDELINES

  • Applicants must be students in grades 9-12

  • Applicants cannot be performers in their school's 2025 Kelli Award nomination for Best Musical

  • Applicants' schools must be participating in the Kelli O'Hara Awards

  • Applicants must be available on the following dates: 

    • March 18-23, 2025​ - Specific date to be determined

    • The week of the 2025 Kelli O'Hara Awards (exact date pending, typically late May)

    • The week of the 2025 Jimmy Awards (June 12-25th)

  • Applicants understand that OKC Broadway and the Kelli O'Hara Awards staff reserve the right to withdraw an applicant at any stage of the application process based on content posted to the applicant's social media channels that may be deemed inappropriate.

ADJUDICATION PROCESS

  1. Applications must be received by December 31. Late submissions will not be considered. 

  2. Kelli O'Hara Awards' staff will review and score all received applications on a scale of 1-5 based upon the following criteria. 

    1. Storytelling Ability - the ability to craft a clear, engaging and well organized story. ​

    2. Writing - the clarity and readability of the writing. 

    3. Communication Skills - appropriate tone and style for the intended audience. 

    4. Interviewing Skills - the ability to ask insightful questions. 

    5. Professionalism - overall professionalism in communication, interaction with sources and presentation. 

    6. Impact and Relevance - the potential impact of the story on it's intended audience. 

    7. Originality - the use of new or creative methods in storytelling or presentation. 

  3. Applicants must submit a 60-90 second video meeting the following criteria: 

    1. At least 20 seconds of unedited footage of the applicant speaking directly to the camera. ​

    2. At least one interview question with someone who has a background or current involvement in performing arts. 

    3. Any prerecorded must used must be royalty-free.

  4. Applicants must submit a 1,000-1,500 word essay answering the question, "Why do you want this opportunity?"

  5. The two winning Kelli O'Hara Student Reporters will be notified by February 1. 

APPLICATION

If you're having trouble viewing the frame, click this link to open the application in a new window directly.

OKC Broadway

The Kelli O'Hara Awards are a presentation of OKC Broadway and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma.
The Awards are Sponsored by Paycom. 

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