The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio will host the Joci Awards this weekend, bringing hundreds of South Texas students together for performances, coaching and scholarships through the Majestic Empire Foundation; Jaselyn Blanchard and alumni like Andre Rodriguez are central voices in the program that serves more than 4,000 high school students across the region.
Each year the Joci Awards draw participants from across South Texas for an intense, hands-on performing arts experience. Students work with Broadway and regional artists in master classes and workshops that push their technical and creative limits. The program is built to be more than a single competition night; it’s a multi-week developmental track for young performers.
Organizers emphasize practical skills that translate beyond theatrical stages into everyday life and careers. “Students are gaining confidence, they’re developing collaboration skills, how to perform under pressure,” Blanchard said. That confidence boost shows up in group dynamics, academic settings and future workplace situations for many participants.
The Majestic Empire Foundation coordinates coaching, mentorship and scholarship opportunities tied to the awards, aiming to support both artistic growth and higher education goals. Hundreds of students take part each season, and the program reports reaching more than 4,000 high school students overall. For many, those workshops are their first exposure to professional-level instruction.
Alumni involvement is a major part of the program’s longevity and community feel. Former participants often come back to assist with rehearsals, coach younger singers and help run backstage operations. “Being alumni of the program is very rewarding, and being able to continue to come back and still lend a hand and be even more hands-on with the entire process has been incredible,” Rodriguez said.
That cycle of mentorship helps create a tight network where experience is passed down quickly, and students see a path from rookie performer to mentor. It also gives returning alumni leadership opportunities that mirror real-world arts careers. Those roles build resumes and practical skills that regional colleges and employers notice.
The awards ceremony itself remains a marquee night on the local calendar, a chance for students to perform in a historic venue and for families to celebrate achievements. The ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Majestic Theatre. For many students this is the first time they get to perform on such a stage in front of a community audience.
Behind the scenes, directors and teachers work with students to polish everything from vocal technique to stage presence and teamwork. The master classes led by visiting professionals bring a higher standard to school programs that might lack resources. Those concentrated sessions often result in dramatic performance leaps by the time curtain goes up.
Community support plays a key role in keeping the Joci Awards viable and accessible, with scholarships helping students pursue further study. The program’s mix of training, exposure and financial aid aims to broaden arts participation across diverse South Texas communities. Local educators say the hands-on experience complements in-school arts classes and fills gaps where budgets are thin.
For students, parents and organizers, the Joci Awards are both a milestone and a stepping stone: a single night of celebration built on weeks of practice, coaching and community investment that extends long after the theater lights dim.
