The Heller Awards for Young Artists (HAYA) will take the stage at Bass Concert Hall for the primary time in May 2026, marking a big milestone for this system. Beginning with the 2025-26 season, Texas Performing Arts (TPA) will host the annual awards ceremony, historically celebrated in Austin’s vibrant highschool musical theater neighborhood.
Founded in 2014 by the Long Center, TPA, and Zach Theater, the Heller Awards honor the achievements of highschool college students and educators in the Greater Austin space. Previously held by the Long Center, this system has grown to embrace 37 faculties in 2025, reaching greater than 20,000 college students and educators. The awards acknowledge excellence in musical theater, with classes starting from greatest manufacturing to technical design and performing.
The transfer to Bass Concert Hall, house of Broadway in Austin, is a part of TPA’s growth to improve its instructional outreach. TPA has raised over $1 million to help the transition, guaranteeing the continued success of this system.
The 2026 ceremony will permit for a bigger viewers and additional instructional alternatives, together with performances by acclaimed touring artists and partnerships with the University of Texas.